Tusk leaves EU summit meeting over conflict with Sanchez on migration

Conflict between leaders of Poland and Spain at EU summit

During last week, which took place in Brussels, a heated discussion occurred between Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the European Council meeting. The cause of the dispute was migration policy. According to data released by radio station RMF FM, the tension between the politicians reached such a level that Tusk decided to leave the conference room.

Warsaw's position and alliance with Rome and Copenhagen

On Monday evening, Donald Tusk publicly revealed the details of this incident. He noted that Poland, together with a group of other European states, criticised Madrid's approach to resolving the migration issue.

«Відбулося досить гостре протистояння. З одного боку, прем'єр-міністр Іспанії захищав те, що ми вважали неефективною міграційною політикою, а саме надмірну відкритість. З іншого боку, дуже сильний альянс: Польща, Італія, Данія. Ми запропонували дуже жорсткі положення» (There was quite a sharp confrontation. On the one hand, the Prime Minister of Spain was defending what we considered an ineffective migration policy, namely excessive openness. On the other hand, a very strong alliance: Poland, Italy, Denmark. We proposed very strict provisions), — emphasised the Polish Prime Minister.

Tusk is convinced that almost all European countries joined his thoughts on this issue.

Diplomats: conversation bordered on "unparliamentary language"

According to RMF FM, diplomats present at the summit described the dialogue between the leaders of Poland and Spain as extremely tense, which, in their words, bordered on the use of "unparliamentary language". In addition to Spain, France and Luxembourg opposed the initiative proposed by Poland, Denmark and Italy.

Pedro Sanchez insisted on the legalisation of the status of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants. He argued his position by stating that this would promote their integration into society and allow for better control of the situation.

Donald Tusk categorically disagreed with this approach, stating that «це не той шлях» (this is not the way). He accused his Spanish colleague of «грає з безпекою Європи» (playing with Europe's security), and warned that Madrid's actions could become an incentive for illegal crossing of EU borders. The Polish Prime Minister emphasised the need for strict protection of external borders, combating illegal migration, deportation of lawbreakers and the application of a strict policy regarding the granting of asylum.

"Without you we do not move forward": call from António Costa

During the escalation of the conflict, Donald Tusk left the meeting room and went to the room where the Polish delegation was located to discuss current agreements. At that moment, one of the delegation members received an SMS message with information that the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic and Hungary refused to make decisions until their Polish colleague returned.

Shortly after, European Council President António Costa called Tusk. He asked the Polish Prime Minister to return immediately, as negotiations were blocked. «Без тебе ми не рушимо далі» (Without you we do not move forward), — said Costa.

Summit results: framework for crisis response

The final document of the EU summit contained a statement that the European Commission would develop a framework for crisis response in the event of a mass influx of migrants to EU borders. In accordance with Poland's requirements, these frameworks must provide for the possibility of suspending the right to asylum in crisis situations, as well as taking into account the specifics of individual member states.