Poland’s President Nawrocki signs law on aid for Ukrainians on second attempt

The signing was announced on Friday by the head of the Presidential Chancellery, Zbigniew Bogucki, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.

“Through his previous vetoes, the President forced the government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, to work and propose solutions that are not perfect but certainly better. In the case of the ‘Ukrainian’ law, he required limiting benefits for Ukrainian citizens, particularly for those who do not work in the Republic of Poland,” Bogucki said.

He added that the provisions of this law mark “the end of tourism from Ukraine at the expense of Polish taxpayers.”

Bogucki noted that the law specifies particular benefits that will not be granted to Ukrainians not working in Poland. These include medical rehabilitation, health-improving programs, prescription drug coverage, and medical and dental services.

He emphasized that while the law is not perfect, it “streamlines” the system of assistance.

Bogucki also stated that this will be the last law Nawrocki signs regarding aid to war refugees from Ukraine, as “there is currently no basis or reason for continuing such measures.”

“The President will not sign any other similar law. We must transition to normal conditions, treating Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland the same as other foreigners,” he stressed.

Bogucki added that next Monday, two legislative proposals from the President will be submitted to the Polish Sejm. The first concerns extending the period during which foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, can apply for Polish citizenship. The second bill involves amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on the Institute of National Remembrance, which would prosecute anyone attempting to spread the “Banderist ideology” in Poland or who seeks to propagate “falsehoods about Volhynia” [the Volhynian tragedy].

As reported, Nawrocki announced on August 25 that he had vetoed the law providing assistance to Ukrainian citizens, citing that social benefits under the 800+ program should only go to Ukrainians working in Poland.