Tusk on migration: We will not give in

Donald Tusk w Pradze

Donald Tusk announced in Prague a multi-year migration strategy aimed at combating illegal migration and strengthening the external borders of the European Union. – We will not give in, thank you for fully understanding this – emphasized the head of government in a joint speech at a press conference in Prague with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala.

Poland and the Czech Republic plan to organize a joint debate at the EU forum to analyze current problems related to migration policy and find new solutions that will reduce the number of illegal migrants. During his visit to Prague, Tusk emphasized that it is not about internal barriers in the EU, but about effective protection of external borders.

– In Poland, we attach great importance to our relations, especially in times of war near our borders, migration pressure, when organizing illegal migration at our border, when, as the European Union, we are looking for solutions, Donald Tusk said at the conference.

He also pointed to the importance of cooperation with the Czech Republic, which supports Polish initiatives and is an important partner in regional alliances, such as the Visegrad Group (V4).

– It is not about creating internal borders and finding mechanisms to move illegal migrants back and forth within Europe. Poland can count on the Czech Republic, the Czech Republic can count on Poland, noted Donald Tusk.

Tusk on migration, The situation at the border resembles warfare

The current situation on the Polish border, due to the actions of the Lukashenko regime, according to the Prime Minister, resembles more a “war landscape” than standard border policy. Tusk emphasized that the new strategy will require the EU to completely change its approach to migration.

–I didn’t show off real images from our border in Europe. Every day, thousands of soldiers do not “guard” there, but fight against the pressure organized by the Lukashenko regime. It resembles a war landscape rather than a normal border policy. Shots can be heard on this border every day, so the Polish strategy will certainly require changes in the paradigms of European policy. We will not give in, thank you for fully understanding this, emphasized the head of government.

– On Saturday, I will announce Poland’s multi-annual migration strategy. This will be a strategy that will be a program to fight illegal migration. This will also be a proposal for the entire European Union, added Donald Tusk.

Polish-Czech cooperation is crucial not only in the issue of migration, but also in other areas. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the importance of joint actions in the field of environmental protection and post-flood reconstruction. Czech logistical support, especially in the form of rescue operations using helicopters, was important during the weather crises in Poland. Tusk emphasized that such a partnership helps both countries use EU funds for investments in flood protection infrastructure more effectively.

Tusk thanks the Czechs for their help

During the conference in Prague, Donald Tusk thanked the Czech Republic for effective cooperation during the flood that hit Poland. The Prime Minister emphasized that such crisis situations are the best test of the authenticity of friendship between nations, and Polish-Czech cooperation turned out to be crucial. Tusk noted that for the first time speculations regarding the Czech Republic’s responsibility for the consequences of the flood were avoided, which proves the growing trust and transparency of the actions of both governments.

–Today, thanks to a transparent information policy, people have more and more trust in these procedures. Our intention is to use EU funds as effectively as possible. We also want to use these funds for new investments in flood protection installations, noted the Prime Minister.

Tusk about the Turów mine: How do Poland and the Czech Republic resolve the dispute?

During the conference in Prague, Donald Tusk also referred to the issue of the mine in Turów, emphasizing that Poland will defend its activities, while understanding the concerns of the Czech Republic. The Prime Minister explained that the problem resulted from misunderstandings and an overly political approach to the matter, which made it difficult to find a compromise. As part of improving relations, Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) has committed to providing full documentation to the Czech side, which is intended to help develop a lasting solution.

In February 2022, the Czech Republic and Poland concluded an agreement that ended the dispute before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The agreement provided for compensation of EUR 45 million for investments in environmental protection infrastructure in the Czech Republic and the construction of an underground barrier to protect water resources against further impacts of the mine’s activities.

Despite the agreement, Tusk admitted that environmental protection remains a priority. The Prime Minister emphasized that the exploitation of Turów cannot be at the expense of ecology and pledged to cooperate with the Czech Republic in order to monitor and minimize the negative effects of the mine’s operations. “We need to find a solution that will be beneficial to both sides,” Tusk emphasized.

Poland and the Czech Republic – joint infrastructure and energy projects

Donald Tusk, during his meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, emphasized the importance of intensive cooperation between Poland and the Czech Republic, especially in the context of the development of tourism and transport infrastructure. As he noted, Czechs are one of the most numerous and most warmly welcomed tourists in Poland, especially in the Tricity, where in summer their language can be heard everywhere. Tusk emphasized that the development of railway connections between Prague and the Polish coast is of key importance. Thanks to the launch of four connections a day, the number of Czech tourists visiting Poland may increase to a thousand a day, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.

The Prime Minister also referred to cooperation in the energy sector, noting that Poland is just starting to develop nuclear energy, while the Czech Republic is already in an advanced stage of development. Both countries decided to cooperate closely in this field, with the aim of exchanging experiences and technologies, as well as jointly developing new energy projects. Joint actions are intended to contribute to increasing the region’s energy stability and meeting EU climate goals.

Moreover, the Czech Republic is actively involved in the development of tourism, which is an important element of its economy. Promotional campaigns and the modernization of tourist infrastructure contribute to an increase in the number of visitors, which benefits both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. Joint projects with Poland, including the development of railway connections, are part of a broader strategy to integrate regions and improve the mobility of residents and tourists in Central Europe.

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