The European Commission has endorsed Poland’s proposal to temporarily suspend asylum rights at its eastern border. This decision addresses migration challenges allegedly orchestrated by Russia and Belarus to destabilize the EU.

Security Concerns Drive New Migration Policies

Poland’s plan introduces a temporary suspension of asylum applications in specific border regions facing increased migration flows. This measure aims to counter what the EU describes as hybrid tactics used by Russia and Belarus to create chaos at the borders. Finland has prepared similar emergency laws to block asylum claims if necessary.

The European Commission justified the move, stating such measures are permissible if they are proportionate, temporary, and strictly necessary to address security threats. “Exceptional measures are allowed under strict legal conditions,” explained Henna Virkkunen, Vice President of the Commission for Security and Democracy. This stance marks a policy shift, as the Commission initially criticized Poland for neglecting its duty to process asylum claims.

Human Rights Groups Sound the Alarm

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the decision as a violation of international law. A recent Human Rights Watch report accused Polish authorities of illegally pushing migrants back into Belarus. These migrants reported harsh conditions and abuse by Belarusian officials after being expelled.

While the Commission reaffirmed the principle of non-refoulement—which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they could face harm—it did not clarify if sending migrants back to Belarus violates this rule.

The EU’s approval signals a shift toward prioritizing border security over humanitarian obligations. Critics fear that these temporary measures could become permanent, weakening the right to asylum and reshaping the EU’s approach to migration.