2024-12-19 19:28 update: 2024-12-20, 14:47
Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
Warsaw’s move to impose the suspension of asylum rights was not only accepted by Europe but also awaited, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said.
Migration was among the key topics discussed during the EU summit on Thursday, held just a day after Poland officially amended legislation to tighten the conditions under which international protection can be granted.
According to Tusk, Poland's stance was highly welcomed during the discussions in Brussels.
"The suspension of asylum rights and the defence of our borders through these legal measures are not only welcomed but eagerly anticipated across Europe," the prime minister stated. "Everyone has been asking me to share the text of this act (recently adopted by Poland - PAP)... many believe it serves as an excellent model to follow suit," he added, further speaking of the spike in unauthorised asylum requests and illegal border crossings.
The prime minister regarded the action as a significant personal achievement, reminding the media present of the warnings he had received from Europe, which indicated that such regulations imposed by a single country would not be tolerated.
"Now the institutions, the prime ministers as well as the presidents say, "do this, we want to emulate you," Tusk said.
The comment comes over a month after Warsaw passed the resolution: 'Regain Control. Ensure Security. A Comprehensive and Responsible Migration Strategy for Poland for 2025-2030.' And while numerous NGOs were showering the initiative with criticism, the government said it sees the decision necessary to establish clear and secure immigration rules overseen by government agencies. Critics of the resolution say it violates international law, jeopardising the lives of the asylum seekers. (PAP)
yb/jch
