Minister, the Visegrad group was solidarity during this summit and the negotiations with Great Britain? For the Czech Republic, for example, the issue of benefits was not as important as in Polish.
Czechs actually were not the subject as vital as we are concerned, but nevertheless were with us in solidarity. None of the countries of the Visegrad Group is not broke with a common front. Both at the time, after three months of negotiations preceding the summit, and at the same time calls on the Council. There were no cracks. Also, several countries outside the Group supported our position. This is very important because we face another difficult talks, for example, about the refugees.
And yesterday’s summit with the Polish perspective is a success or failure?
– I am pleased with the results. That’s what is most important is the fact that we managed to defend the interests of 800 thousand. Polish workers officially working in the UK today. Adopted the so-called. safety mechanism will have no impact on their situation in the labor market. The mechanism is narrowed in such a way that it can not use it any other EU country. The issue of children’s benefits, which aroused much emotion refers to a much narrower band. Besides, they will not be suspended, as originally planned, but only with time indexed in specific cases where the child lives outside the UK. The case will return when negotiating amendments to the Regulation. A compromise on this issue is good. We have obtained a declaration from the European Commission that the indexation will be based on the amount of benefits in the country. With the introduction of the program 500+ many changes. It also gives David Cameron arguments to persuade the British to remain within the EU. And it is also important for Polish, in the context of the future of the entire European Union and our position in it, but also because of Polish immigrants. If Britain would emerge from the EU, it would not be bound by EU regulations in the field of even the freedom of movement of workers. This could have fatal consequences for the 800,000 Poles working in the UK.
The issue of allowances applies to only a group of 80 thousand. people. These potential savings from the point of view of the British budget is very modest. There you have the impression that the subject was overblown?
– From the point of view of the real cost of the whole British social policy, this issue is marginal. It was very exposed media in the UK. Brits excited about the fact that immigrants take allowances for children who do not live in the UK. They think it’s unfair. This topic actually controversial. But the scale of the Polish immigrants – really unrepresentative. It is a pity that he has dominated public debate because it creates a false impression that the Poles come mainly benefits. And not, as is, in fact, work. Important, however, that access to the UK labor market for Polish workers, in our part of Europe, but also a growing number of immigrants from the south of Europe is not threatened.
Do you think that the outcome of the summit the distance spectrum Brexitu? Perhaps more important is the actual result is the perception of the media topic?
– Certainly, Prime Minister Cameron has additional arguments. But on the other hand, the document adopted yesterday is criticized in Britain for the fact that changes are only illusory. The Financial Times has rated yesterday that it was welfare concessions, namely those against the Polish are far-reaching. No one is able to honestly predict today what will be the outcome of the June referendum. So far, both sides have similar support. Important would be wise campaign. Well, actually it is important to approach the British media to the subject.
A remaining points negotiated by the British: among others, reduce the impact of the EU administration and the ability to block any decision by the euro group countries not belonging to the euro zone? It postulates also important for Polish.
– As for the euro zone, to which Poland has, after all, do not, then the British pushed through the proposal that was enough opposition to at least one country outside the zone to slow down the decision-making process. This concern is a decision that would affect the integrity of the single market. In addition, the enhanced will be the role of national parliaments. It’s a good solution, because in the European Union we are often faced with overproduction rights in poor democratic legitimacy.
At the top came about immigrants, but agreed that decisions will be taken at the March summit. Is there a risk that the return on the amounts refugees?
– This can occur when talking about the reform of the Dublin system and postulate by all countries to participate in the distribution of refugees. Here, the Visegrad Group has its common position: oppose compulsory allocations of refugees, which would strike at the sovereignty of member states and we want to strengthen external borders.
As they say diplomats in Brussels, reportedly many countries share the same position, but because of political correctness does not do it officially …
– Without a doubt grows steadily a group of countries that are beginning to agree with us. As for the emphasis on the protection of external borders, it is still a few months ago it was very criticized. And today is considered to be granted. This is a significant change. But of course the problem of immigrants is not solved. This is just one, albeit essential, part of the solution.
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