Overview

• The new law restricts asylum applications for 60 days to individuals who enter Poland legally during declared border emergencies, with potential extensions requiring parliamentary approval.
• Poland fortified its border with Belarus, responding to increased migration pressure and accusing Belarus and Russia of weaponizing migration to destabilize the EU.
• Exceptions to the restrictions include minors, pregnant women, and individuals credibly claiming political persecution, such as Belarusian opposition members.
• Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the law as violating Poland's international and EU obligations.
• The EU has conditionally supported Poland's measures, recognizing member states' rights to address hybrid threats while balancing adherence to human rights standards.