Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a law expanding aid to Ukrainian refugees, arguing for financial stability while emphasizing the need to protect state budgets. The decision has sparked fierce criticism in Kyiv and among experts, who highlight Ukrainians’ economic contributions, including over 15 billion zloty in taxes annually, and warn of potential human costs.
Poland’s President Vetoed Aid Bill for Ukrainian Refugees, Citing Financial Stability
President Karol Nawrocki announced a veto against a law providing support to Ukrainians who have found refuge in Poland since the beginning of Russia’s aggression. He explained that while Poland will continue to support Ukraine, it is essential, in his view, to ensure the stability of national finances. The head of state stressed that social benefits such as the “800 plus” allowance or free healthcare should be granted only to Ukrainians legally working in Poland and making “integration efforts.”
Ukrainian Migration Contributions and Concerns Over Exclusion
Migrants from Ukraine — according to official data — contributed over 15 billion zloty to the Polish budget in 2024, supporting the country’s economy and funding the system they now risk being partially excluded from. Public discourse highlights that Nawrocki’s decision particularly affects families in the most vulnerable situations, including those with children, elderly parents, and no steady income.
Veto May Threaten the Legal Status of Nearly 950,000 Ukrainians
The veto could also jeopardize the legal residency of up to 950,000 Ukrainians, casting doubt on their employment, children’s education, and access to medical care. Analysts warn of broader human costs, including risks to Poland’s labor market and integration efforts.
Ukrainian Experts: A Populist and Risky Move
Ukrainian politicians and experts have openly criticized Nawrocki’s decision. Deputy Mykoła Kniażycki noted that the veto ignores facts about Ukraine’s real contribution to Poland’s economy, pointing out that 70% of Ukrainian refugees of working age are employed in Poland, with 90% being women. Their contribution to Poland’s GDP reaches 2.7%, while over 15 billion zloty in taxes are paid annually. Meanwhile, the “800 plus” benefit for children of refugees costs 2.4 billion zloty each year.
Violation of International Law and Refugee Protection Standards?
Kniażycki emphasized that the benefits belong to children, not their parents, and warned that the decision risks undermining European refugee protection standards. He also highlighted ongoing domestic debates in Poland over denying support to single mothers raising children in remote areas, where legal employment is challenging.
Ukraine Reacts: A “Strategic Signal” Amid Tensions
In Ukrainian media, Nawrocki’s veto is interpreted as a political signal reflecting a shift toward populism rooted in shared historical grievances, particularly regarding the Volyn massacre. Deputy Sofija Fedyna described the veto as the “first tightening by Poland’s newly elected president,” signaling growing hostility.
Analyst Warnings of Integration Damage and Economic Consequences
Political scientist and Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Wiktor Taran criticized the move, stating, “It seems as if Ukrainians are becoming increasingly enemies of the Poles. This is some kind of absurdity.” Similarly, social analyst Wałerij Kłoczek warned that Nawrocki’s actions might lead to mass returns of Ukrainians to their homeland, harming both integration and Poland’s labor market.
Media Critique: A Symbolic Message and Risk of Distrust
Radio Ukraine journalist Serhij Stukanow noted that Poland was once a natural destination for Ukrainians due to cultural and linguistic proximity, but Nawrocki’s decision sends a symbolic message: “We accept you, but don’t display your identity too loudly, as it irritates us.” While most Poles likely do not harbor such hostility, the rhetoric risks fostering long-term mistrust between the two nations.
Economic Realities and Refugee Integration
Stukanow clarified that the 800 zloty monthly benefit for children is not sufficient for livelihood but serves as a supplement for families already employed and building lives in Poland. However, he warned that some Ukrainians might seek opportunities in Germany, France, or Spain instead of returning home.
Source: Gazeta, https://www.edziecko.pl/edziecko/0, https://www.facebook.com/mykolakn/posts/pfbid0iHBJG9dF9Jf3yES4hz2hz6aC81nA539ewvbHqn7eRL5sktBW1QWgM2yY1UK2SKrGl, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7, https://espreso.tv/svit-tse-pidgotovka-do-ataki-na-uryad-tuska-magda-pro-zayavi-ta-namiri-prezidenta-polshchi-navrotskogo-shchodo-ukraini?amp, https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=24727261910200935&set=a.513783405308790, https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122235179720085048&set=a.122106704954085048, https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CkFAGNP8s/?mibextid=wwXIfr
