The KE proposes to exempt Poland from accepting migrants for a year

The European Commission reported that Poland, along with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, and Austria, faces significant migration challenges due to the cumulative effects of migration over the past five years. These countries can request full or partial exemptions from the mandatory solidarity mechanism for another year. Poland previously received such an exemption after a request last year. Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner highlighted Poland's serious migration situation, exacerbated by the influx of Ukrainians and migration pressure from Belarus. The mandatory solidarity mechanism requires EU states to support those under migration pressure through financial aid, technical assistance, and migrant relocation. For 2026, the Commission announced a relocation of 21,000 individuals and a financial contribution of €420 million, but actual commitments have fallen short, with Germany expected to accept the most migrants.