Poland to block EU migration pact: PM

Poland will uphold its veto on a European Union migration pact, the country’s prime minister has said at a summit of European Union leaders.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Thursday, Mateusz Morawiecki declared that his government would uphold its "strong veto" on the European Union migration pact, citing "no tolerance" for human trafficking.

“There can be no tolerance for human trafficking or human smugglers," Morawiecki said.

"Protecting the external borders of the European Union is necessary due to terrorism threats,” he added.

PM @MorawieckiM: For many months, I have been arguing at #EuropeanCouncil meetings about the need to focus on protecting external borders, the fight against smugglers and an active deportation policy. These are the priorities.

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) October 27, 2023

Morawiecki told reporters that warnings from Poland were now being "taken more seriously" by the European Parliament, which he said was a good sign.

PM @MorawieckiM in #Brussels: This time, the conclusions also point to the possibility, unfortunately, of terrorist tendencies being transferred to Europe. Thanks to our consistent policy, our point of view has been respected today. pic.twitter.com/Uh20HLNSA9

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) October 27, 2023

“Nevertheless, the European Commission is still pushing forward with its migration pact, which includes the mandatory relocation of illegal immigrants or substantial financial contributions instead,” Morawiecki stated.

PM @MorawieckiM: Among the topics of the #EuropeanCouncil was #security, which is linked to the problem of illegal #migration. While previously, we had to put the issue of our Polish veto on this matter very firmly, now - probably also under the influence of events in the… pic.twitter.com/6aYtTLgfSC

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) October 27, 2023

PM @MorawieckiM: To sum up this #EuropeanCouncil, I would say that in the long discussion on the situation in the #MiddleEast, it turned out that our warnings against terrorism and the wave of migration were understood. In Ukrainian issues, the conclusions also fulfill security… pic.twitter.com/9Sr13Nyf1R

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) October 27, 2023

Radio Poland's Michał Owczarek has the story.

Click on the audio player above to listen.