On 12 November, Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs filed a request with the European Commission to be exempt from the solidarity measures of the 2024 EU migration pact.
Poland Seeks Exemption from EU Solidarity Mechanism
On Wednesday 12 November, Karolina Gałecka, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, informed the Polish Press Agency that the ministry had submitted a request to the European Commission for an exemption from the solidarity mechanism of the migration pact. A few weeks earlier, Minister of Internal Affairs Marcin Kierwiński had said in Luxembourg that Poland would be exempt.
EU Commission Allows Partial or Full Waivers
The previous day the European Commission announced that six countries, including Poland, could apply for partial or full exemption from accepting migrants under the EU relocation system next year. A majority vote of member states finalises the decision; the pact requires solidarity, with countries helping those under migration pressure or paying €20 000 for each unaccepted person.
Poland’s Grounds for Exemption
Poland cites the severe migration pressure at the Polish‑Belarus border and the large numbers of Ukrainian war refugees as reasons for the exemption. Other countries that can apply include Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Estonia, all of which face serious migration crises.
Government’s Long‑Term Push
Vice‑Minister Maciej Duszczyk said the government has been fighting for this for a year and a half, preparing a full exemption note and awaiting a few technical data points before submitting it to the Commission.
