The European Commission has responded to President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of a law extending temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU, emphasizing ongoing support for Ukraine. The proposed amendment aimed to prolong social and healthcare benefits until March 2026, but the president argued it should be limited to Ukrainians working in Poland.
EU’s response to the presidential veto
The European Commission has addressed President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of the bill on aiding Ukrainian citizens, as reported by PAP. According to the EU spokesperson, member states have agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians within the EU until March 2027. This decision reinforces the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as long as necessary. The amendment Nawrocki opposed would have incorporated EU provisions into Polish law, including social assistance, healthcare, and livelihood support. However, the Commission noted the directive does not specify amounts or minimum thresholds for aid.
Government spokesperson comments
During a press conference on Tuesday (August 26), the government spokesperson announced that the administration would prepare a new bill proposal by September 8 to address the extension of protection for Ukrainian citizens. Spokesman Szłapka warned of potential chaos caused by the veto, emphasizing the Council of Ministers is working on a solution to regulate benefits for all foreigners in Poland, not just Ukrainians. The new measures would tie social and healthcare benefits to employment or registration with the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), alongside extending citizenship procedures from three to 30 years.
President’s veto on Ukrainian aid
President Karol Nawrocki rejected the amendment to the Ukrainian aid law, which aimed to prolong support for those who arrived after the 2022 war. Current aid programs end by September 30 of this year, but the amendment would have extended them to March 4, 2026, ensuring Ukrainians could continue accessing work, education, healthcare, and social benefits. Nawrocki stated that the 800 plus benefit should be reserved solely for Ukrainians employed in Poland, a stance aligned with extending health coverage only to those working there. He also introduced a separate bill proposal to adjust social and healthcare provisions and revise citizenship acquisition rules.
Source: Gazeta, https://next.gazeta.pl/pieniadz/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/rzad#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/rzad#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/praca#anchorLink](https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/praca#anchorLink), https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/0
