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The Russian attack on Ukraine and the role of Belarus, the European Peace Facility, the European single market and migration - the main topics of the European Council

Poland - Gov.pl

24.03.2023

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki attended the March European Council in Brussels. The Polish PM discussed with European leaders issues related to the war in Ukraine, potential improvements in the European single market and migration, which affects EU countries to varying degrees. Topics related to Russian aggression against Ukraine remain key and form the most important part of the talks. The abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, the extension of sanctions against Belarus and the European Peace Facility were discussed.

Poland's leading voice on finding children kidnapped by Russia

Russian aggression against Ukraine is brutal and reminiscent of the worst events of the 20th century. Recently, information has come to our notice about the mass abduction of Ukrainian children and their forced transfer to the Russian Federation for Russification. Together with the European Commission, Poland is taking the lead in investigating the issue immediately, finding the abducted children and ensuring their return to their families.

"All countries profusely thanked Poland for the fact that we are simply playing a leading role in this critical task. The Poles know it very well from history that the kidnapping, abduction and deportation of children are simply reminiscent of the worst Nazi German practices from the Second World War," stressed the Polish PM.

The role of Belarus in supporting the Russian Federation

During the European Council, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also spoke on sanctions against the Lukashenko regime in Belarus. The extension of sanctions to Belarus was discussed due to Putin's Russia's use of the country to circumvent international sanctions. The Polish PM also highlighted the unacceptable repression of the Belarusian regime against activists and oppositionists in Belarus, especially those from the Polish national minority.

European Peace Facility - additional money for defence capabilities

European leaders also discussed the European Peace Facility (EPF). The fund is to provide financing for purchasing modern military equipment and ammunition to replace the equipment handed over to Ukraine. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed the Polish position and stressed the need to increase this fund. Greater funding will translate into an increase in our country's defensive capabilities. It will also positively impact the Polish arms industry. Poland will be the largest beneficiary of this fund.

The services market and the competitiveness of the European single market

The single market is the foundation of our continent's integration, on which the European Union was built. Free trade between countries benefits everyone - above all - citizens and entrepreneurs. Today, Poland proposes further improvements in this respect.

In Brussels, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki presented the Polish position on the regulation of the services market, which is gaining importance, especially in the countries of our region. We are pushing for regulations to benefit Polish small and medium-sized entrepreneurs who want to provide services in other EU countries.

"I think that in the next 12 to 18 months, we will see a clear shift towards more freedoms in the European single market from the point of view of service provision. And this will translate very well into opportunities for Polish small and medium-sized entrepreneurs," said the Prime Minister.

The Polish PM also highlighted the critical issue of combating tax havens and tax avoidance by large companies.

"Poland's voice is being heard more and more - we are, by the way, fighting tax havens more and more effectively. Thanks to this, we have such a phenomenal increase in income from CIT, the tax on multinational corporations. This is very important, as it amounts to several tens of billions of zlotys," pointed out Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Migration - an important topic for many EU countries

During the European Council, migration and protection of the European Union's external borders were raised. These issues are being discussed with particular attention because they require long-term solutions. Poland has a clear position in this regard.

"Poland is, of course, striving to ensure that the external borders of the European Union are protected and guarded and that the Member States decide who may enter our territory. This issue that was marginalised five years ago and today is definitely in the mainstream. Virtually the vast majority of countries formulate proposals to protect their borders from external migration similarly to Poland," stressed Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Poland's borders, which are also the external borders of the European Union, are very well protected today, among other things, thanks to a physical barrier on the border with Belarus and enhanced electronic surveillance.