European immigration policy tightening

Political leaders in Poland and Norway continue to advocate for more stringent immigration frameworks to address illegal migration and promote assimilation.

In Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, leader of the Demokrati Plus party, has proposed establishing specialized units and plenipotentiaries to verify legal status and combat uncontrolled immigration. His program emphasizes cultural assimilation, including requirements for immigrants to learn the Polish language, and suggests creating a uniformed deportation service to increase security. Critics argue that existing institutions, such as the Border Guard and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, already possess the necessary legal competence to manage these issues and suggest focusing on funding existing state apparatuses instead.

Expanding its focus to the European Union level, Poland is proposing stricter asylum rules to deny international protection to individuals who cross borders illegally in organized groups, use violence, or destroy border infrastructure. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration Maciej Duszczyk stated the initiative addresses the realities of ‘hybrid warfare,’ specifically citing pressure at the Polish-Belarusian border. The proposal seeks a specific interpretation of Article 33, paragraph 2 of the Geneva Convention to explicitly cover organized and aggressive border crossings. This matter is expected to be discussed during the European Council meeting in mid-October.

In Norway, the Progress Party remains focused on tighter border controls and dismantling human smuggling operations. Norwegian leaders have expressed concern that amnesty programs, such as those in Spain, create a ‘pull effect’ that encourages illegal entry, a sentiment shared by several EU and Swedish officials.