Polish Government Prepares New Legislative Initiatives Following Presidential Veto on Aid to Ukrainians
Following the recent veto imposed by Polish President Andrzej Duda on the current bill regarding aid to Ukrainians, the Polish government is actively exploring ways to continue supporting foreign citizens residing in Poland.
Government representatives have shared plans to develop new legislative acts that will establish a legal framework for providing assistance and protection to foreigners, particularly Ukrainians, despite political disagreements.
According to government spokesperson Adam Shlapka, by September 8 — the next Sejm session — the government intends to prepare a new bill detailing processes related to aid provision to foreigners.
He emphasized that drafting alternative solutions is crucial to prevent chaos and disorder that could arise due to the veto.
Moreover, changes are planned to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in connection with the war, which entails extending the temporary protection granted to Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2026, in line with the EU Council’s decision of June 25, 2024.
Notably, the veto by President Duda marks a political conflict surrounding aid to Ukrainians in Poland, as he proposes norms that restrict access to humanitarian support and healthcare services solely to Ukrainian citizens who work and contribute taxes in the country.
Additionally, the president announced a legislative initiative to criminalize symbols associated with the Banderite movement, equating them with Nazi and Communist symbols in the Polish Penal Code.