Warsaw: Poland will remain exempt from the EU's mandatory migrant relocation system for as long as it continues hosting large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sikorski, speaking to private broadcaster Polsat News, clarified that the exemption is temporary, expected to last 'a good couple of years,' as reported by TVP World. Sikorski highlighted the significant migratory pressure due to the presence of millions of Ukrainians in Poland, a situation recognized by Brussels. He emphasized the need for European solidarity, stating, "While we have a huge number of refugees, Europe should show solidarity with us."

The EU is currently preparing to implement its new Migration Pact, a significant reform of the bloc's asylum and migration management system. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on frontline states and distribute asylum seekers more evenly across the member states. Under the proposed plan, EU governments are required to contribute to a "Solidarity Pool" by accepting relocated asylum seekers, making financial contributions in lieu of relocation, or providing operational assistance at the bloc's external borders.

Poland, along with Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia, is eligible to request a waiver from the obligations due to what the European Commission describes as 'heightened migratory pressure.' These countries have accommodated significant numbers of Ukrainians fleeing the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk confirmed on Thursday that Warsaw had formally requested a full exemption from the solidarity mechanism. The application is set to be discussed at the Dec. 8-9 meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, although a definitive answer is not guaranteed during that session. Duszczyk expressed confidence in the approval of Poland's exemption, stating there is 'no danger, no reason why that application should not be approved.'