Von der Leyen pays a visit to the Polish-Belarusian border region
In the easternmost regions of Poland, a volatile situation is unfolding at the border with Belarus. Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have both made strong statements in support of Poland, as the country grapples with an escalating crisis.
Tusk, in a firm stance, declared that he would make "zero concessions" to the provocations coming from the Belarusian side. He also emphasised that being subtle with Russian President Vladimir Putin would not "guarantee security." These statements were made in response to the increasing number of illegal migration attempts and violent incidents against Polish patrols at the border.
Von der Leyen, during her visit to Poland, expressed full solidarity with the country against deliberate hybrid attacks. She confirmed that investments in migration and border management protection have tripled in the new EU budget for the next seven years. The Commission President also announced that countries with borders with Belarus and Russia will receive additional funds. However, the exact amount and the countries that will benefit from these funds remain undisclosed.
Von der Leyen also mentioned the SAFE program, a plan that includes 150 billion euros for joint arms purchases. This program, she explained, will primarily benefit Poland and can be used to strengthen the industrial base of the EU and Ukraine. Furthermore, she highlighted the European Defense plan, endowed with 800 billion euros by 2030.
The Polish authorities claim there has been an increase in illegal migration flows in these regions, with almost 3,400 attempts to illegally cross the border recorded in July alone, and the total for the first half of the year reaching 14,000 cases. In recent weeks, there have been 550 cases of illegal migration detected at the border between Poland and Belarus in the Podlaskie region alone.
To manage this situation, Poland has built a 400-kilometer fence on its border with Belarus, and an advanced electronic system with thermal cameras and sensors has been installed along 206 kilometers of the fence. A 200-meter exclusion zone has been established along the entire border, with restrictions on civilian access.
Warsaw has denounced these attacks as part of a "hybrid war," blaming Belarus for the situation. The Polish authorities have reported numerous instances of attacks with stones, sticks, and 'Molotov cocktails' against its patrols at the border.
In the face of these challenges, both Tusk and von der Leyen have shown unwavering support for Poland. Tusk asserted, "Nobody will intimidate or harass us," while von der Leyen stated, "The borders of the European Union are a common responsibility of all member states." These strong words serve as a testament to the solidarity and resolve of the EU in the face of these complex and evolving circumstances.
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