During the debate, Poland stressed that a responsible discussion on migration policy cannot overlook three areas: the external dimension of migration, controls at the European Union’s external borders and the issue of solidarity. The role of the agency Frontex with regard to migration pressure in the south of the EU was also mentioned. Deputy Minister Bartosz Grodecki expressed strong support for further strengthening controls at the European Union’s external borders, because this is a condition for maintaining the free movement across borders within the EU.

Poland also referred to the concept notes handed over to the German Presidency, the upcoming Portuguese Presidency and the European Commission (in December 2020). These concern solidarity and responsibility with regard to migration. They were drawn up during the Polish Presidency of the V4 and signed by members of the Group, as well as Slovenia and Estonia. Deputy Minister Bartosz Grodecki stressed that any form of distribution of migrants would be a pull factor, with Poland strongly opposing such a solution.

The ministers held a discussion on the threats facing the Schengen area in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is a huge challenge for the governments of the Member States, who are taking various measures in order to protect their citizens and prevent the epidemic from spreading within and outside the EU.

During the meeting, the interior ministers had the opportunity to exchange opinions on the vision for the future of Europol – the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The main goal of this organisation is to support and strengthen the activities of the relevant authorities in the Member States and their mutual cooperation in the scope of preventing and fighting serious crime. The starting point for the discussion was the European Commission’s proposal for revising the agency’s mandate, published in December 2020. The proposal includes, among other things, issues concerning cooperation with private parties, strengthening Europol’s role on research and innovation, as well as strengthening the data protection framework. The Member States expressed unanimous support for the need to enhance the agency’s capabilities in the face of constantly advancing security threats, stemming particularly from the development of digital technologies.