Why is Poland So Safe? EU Migration, Borders, and Common Sense
Poland enforces one of the strictest border and migration policies in the EU. Refusing migrant quotas, building physical barriers, and prioritizing national control over EU mandates, Poland claims this approach keeps crime low and citizens safe. Critics call it divisive; supporters call it common sense. So, who’s right?
Introduction: Europe’s “Safe Country”—Is It Just a Myth?
Poland regularly ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe, whether you look at crime rates, public perception, or international safety indexes. While Western EU countries debate “solidarity” and quotas, Poland built fences, tightened asylum laws, and stood its ground—even when Brussels pushed back.
But does it work? Is Poland’s security a result of its migration policy, or just coincidence? Here’s what the numbers (and the EU) say.
How Poland Does Migration Differently
- Border Security: Poland rapidly constructed a physical barrier along its eastern border (especially with Belarus), deploying thousands of extra border guards and surveillance tech.
- Zero-Quota Policy: The Polish government has flatly rejected mandatory EU migrant quotas since 2015, refusing resettlement schemes and pushing for national decision-making on asylum.
- Fast-Track Deportations & Tough Asylum Law: Legal changes allow for immediate returns and stricter screening, drastically reducing successful asylum claims.
- Emergency Powers: Poland introduced emergency laws to handle border crises, with broad police and army powers to prevent illegal entry.
- Contrast with Western Europe: Germany, France, and Sweden adopted large-scale resettlement. Poland didn’t, arguing it would “import” security problems.
Is Poland Actually Safer? (Stats & Facts)
- Low Crime Rates: According to Eurostat (2024 data), Poland reports some of the lowest violent crime rates per 100,000 people in the EU—much lower than Western countries with higher migration inflows.
- Global Peace Index: In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Poland ranks in the top 25
worldwide, ahead of most EU countries.
(Source: Vision of Humanity / Global Peace Index 2024) - Perception of Safety: Over 80% of Poles say they feel safe walking alone at night—one
of the highest rates in the EU.
(Source: Eurobarometer 2024) - Terrorism & Public Disorder: No major terrorist attacks linked to illegal migration in the past decade—compared to repeated incidents in France, Germany, or Belgium.
- Migration & Crime: Official police data show that foreign nationals are responsible for less than 3% of all crimes in Poland, one of the lowest proportions in the EU.
It’s not just numbers. Tourists and international students repeatedly rate Poland as one of the safest destinations in Europe.
The EU vs. Poland: Solidarity or Sovereignty?
- Legal Clashes: The European Commission launched infringement procedures against Poland for refusing migrant quotas and for “pushbacks” at the Belarus border.
- Fines & Threats: The EU Court of Justice has threatened Poland with fines for “breaching solidarity.” Warsaw’s answer: “Our citizens’ security comes first.”
- East-West Divide: While Brussels demands uniformity, Poland (along with Hungary and the Baltics) argues that migration policy must reflect national realities, not “one size fits all.”
- Public Support: Over 70% of Poles support the government’s hardline stance, according to CBOS polling (2024).
What Critics Say
- EU Institutions: Accuse Poland of undermining EU solidarity, violating human rights, and setting a “bad example” for other states.
- NGOs: Warn about humanitarian risks at the border and claim that pushbacks violate international law.
- Poland’s Response: Warsaw insists that strict policy prevents humanitarian crises by deterring illegal crossings and people smuggling.
What Poland Gets Right (And What Others Could Learn)
- Clear Rules, Clear Borders: No mixed messaging—illegal entry is not tolerated, and the rules are enforced.
- Public Debate: Migration is openly discussed in Poland, with policy reflecting public consensus rather than elite pressure.
- Not Blind to Real Risks: Poland accepts genuine refugees, e.g., taking in over 3 million Ukrainians since 2022—proving strict policy isn’t the same as “no entry.”
- Lesson for Brussels: One-size-fits-all doesn’t work. The EU should focus on supporting member states’ own solutions, not just imposing quotas.
- Does Poland accept any refugees? Yes, including over 3 million Ukrainians since 2022. But quotas from Brussels? No.
- Is Poland safe for tourists? Yes. Poland regularly ranks among the safest EU countries for visitors.
- How do crime rates compare to Western Europe? Significantly lower—both in absolute terms and per capita.
- Is Poland’s approach controversial? Absolutely. But public support remains strong.
Final Thoughts
Poland’s approach to migration is controversial in Brussels—but the data speaks for itself: Lower crime, higher public safety, and a strong sense of national control. Maybe it’s time the EU stops demanding “solidarity” and starts asking what actually works.