**Polish PM Donald Tusk Announces Tough Stance on Illegal Migration Amid Belarus Border Crisis**

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a stringent new approach to combat illegal migration, particularly focusing on the nation's border with Belarus. In a recent address, Tusk revealed his administration's intent to temporarily suspend the right to asylum, aiming to control and reduce the influx of undocumented migrants entering Poland and, by extension, the European Union.

For the past three years, Poland, an integral member of both NATO and the EU, has accused Belarus and Russia of facilitating mass migration into the country as part of a "hybrid attack" designed to destabilize the EU. The Polish government claims that thousands of migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, have been encouraged and assisted by Belarusian and Russian authorities to breach Poland's borders.

During a speech to his liberal Civic Coalition (KO) party, Tusk strongly emphasized the need for robust and unwavering measures. "Our migration strategy will include the temporary suspension of the right to asylum on our territory," he declared. He underscored the necessity for Poland to regain full control over its borders, criticizing what he described as the exploitation of asylum rights by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tusk, who previously served as the president of the European Council, has called on Europe to recognize and support Poland's decision. He voiced opposition to certain elements of the EU's new asylum and migration pact, asserting that Poland would not comply with any European policies perceived to compromise national security.

Recently, both Poland and the Czech Republic have called for stricter measures than those proposed in the EU migration pact set to be implemented in 2026. Tusk announced plans to present his detailed migration strategy to the Cabinet, with the goal of significantly reducing illegal migration in Poland.

The migration crisis along the Belarusian-Polish border has intensified since 2021, with Poland reporting a surge in unauthorized crossing attempts. Accusations have been directed at Belarus and Russia for allegedly orchestrating the crisis, although Minsk and Moscow have denied such claims. Reports indicate that Belarusian travel agents and some airlines from the Middle East have falsely advertised easy access to the EU, luring migrants to Belarus and subsequently directing them towards the Polish border.

In response to the escalating situation, Poland recorded thousands of unauthorized border crossing attempts between August and December 2021, and the numbers have been rising steadily since spring last year. The Polish government has taken significant measures to fortify its border, allocating €2.3 billion ($2.52 billion) for reinforcement efforts in May. Tusk continues to follow the stringent anti-migration policies set forth by the previous nationalist government, receiving widespread public support but drawing criticism from human rights organizations.

As Poland braces for ongoing challenges at its border, Tusk's decisive stance marks a crucial moment in the country's approach to migration and border security.