Warsaw, Poland – On August 25, 2025, Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation intended to extend financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees. This decision has ignited a significant political debate within Poland and strained the nation's relationship with Ukraine.
President Nawrocki cited concerns about the sustainability of aid and what he perceives as preferential treatment for Ukrainian refugees compared to Polish citizens. He specifically proposed that child benefits for Ukrainians should be contingent on employment and expressed dissatisfaction with current healthcare provisions, suggesting Polish citizens face more restrictive conditions. In response, Nawrocki has put forth his own legislative proposals, which include streamlining social benefits and healthcare, tightening naturalization requirements, and imposing stricter penalties for illegal border crossings.
The veto has drawn sharp criticism. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski warned that the decision could jeopardize Poland's funding for Ukraine's Starlink internet service, a critical communication lifeline. Economist Bogusław Hrobota cautioned about potential detrimental effects on Poland's labor market and businesses, potentially leading to job losses. Roman Imielski, writing for Gazeta Wyborcza, suggested Nawrocki's actions indicate an anti-Ukrainian stance and a potential alignment with nationalist sentiments.
Data indicates that Ukrainian refugees have made substantial economic contributions to Poland. A study by Deloitte for UNHCR estimated that refugees boosted Poland's GDP by 2.7% in 2024, with employment rates rising from 61% to 69% in a single year. Between 225,000 and 350,000 refugees from Ukraine are employed in Poland, contributing significantly through taxes and social security payments. Reports suggest that taxes paid by Ukrainians in 2022 and 2023 more than compensated for the country's expenses related to refugee assistance, with estimates indicating an annual increase in state revenue of 0.85-1.3% due to their presence.
President Nawrocki's decision also touches upon sensitive historical issues, referencing the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and their historical actions against Poles. This move is seen by some as part of a broader political strategy to challenge the current government and assert a particular vision for Poland's national identity and foreign policy. The veto coincides with a shift in public sentiment in Poland, where surveys indicate a growing majority believe social benefits for Ukrainians are too high. The implications of this veto extend beyond domestic policy, potentially impacting Poland's geopolitical standing and its relationship with Ukraine, highlighting the complex interplay of national priorities, humanitarian concerns, and international commitments in a region profoundly affected by conflict.