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Poland rolls over law suspending asylum for migrants crossing from Belarus
Elsewhere, the Polish parliament has rolled over its controversial law temporarily suspending the right to claim asylum at the country’s eastern border with Belarus amid concerns about illegal migration flows being incentivised by Russia.
The restriction was due to expire on 26 May, and will now be rolled over for another 60 days.
Today’s decision was taken with cross-party support of 366 votes in favour, and just 17 opposed, mostly rebels from within the governing coalition.
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that he recognised the importance of offering international protection, but argued it was being deliberately abused by Russia, Belarus, and people smugglers, forming a “form of aggression” on Poland.
The law includes some very limited humanitarian exceptions.
Poland’s response to migration flows continues to be one of the key topics dominating the presidential campaign, with the run-off between the top two candidates in the first round last weekend – centrist Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative Karol Nawrocki – scheduled for 1 June.
Morning opening: Just stop it
Jakub Krupa
Finance ministers of the world’s seven largest economies – G7 – are meeting in Banff, Alberta in Canada to discuss their ideas on Ukraine and concerns about disruptions resulting from Donald Trump’s unorthodox trade policy.
Before the meeting, German finance minister Lars Klingbeil warned that trade disputes with the US should be resolved as soon as possible, as he stressed they were a burden on the economy and job security.
Instead of this infighting, G7 should make it clear that it “will continue to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side” and oppose “the terrible destruction caused by Russian president Vladimir Putin’s war,” Klingbeil said.
Ukraine will be represented there, with the country’s finance minister Sergii Marchenko in attendance.
These comments come as Europe scramble to keep pressure on Russia with the latest round of sanctions.
Even the Vatican is getting involved with Pope Leo XVI confirming to Giorgia Meloni his willingness to host the next round of negotiations to try to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
I will bring you all key updates from across Europe throughout the day.
It’s Wednesday, 21 May 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
