One of the topics discussed at the July meeting of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels was migration to the EU and the impact of this phenomenon on how regions function. Marshal Władysław Ortyl – representing the ECR Group and Podkarpackie region in Poland – welcomed the fact that the European Council conclusions had, for the first time, included a provision on the relocation of migrants on a voluntary basis.

During the Committee's plenary session, Mr Ortyl mentioned the European Council's June meeting related to migration, which was of particular interest to communities in regions situated on the EU's external border.

"As marshal of Podkarpackie region, which has a border with Ukraine, and being aware of the opportunities and challenges of being located on a border, I followed the European Council of 28 June with great interest," said Władysław Ortyl. He added that "the vast majority of Poles welcomed the fact that the Council conclusions had, for the first time, included a clear provision on the relocation of migrants on a voluntary basis."

Mr Ortyl highlighted the need to provide assistance to the residents of neighbouring countries, as well as the need to consider the scale and directions of migration to the Member States. There are currently around 900 000 Ukrainians in Poland.

"The Polish government and Polish regional authorities want to continue to support neighbouring countries, but we are strongly convinced that this support will be most effective if its principles are laid down closer to people, rather than coming straight from the European Commission. We do not want to close ourselves off to immigration. There were approximately 900 000 Ukrainians in Poland in 2017. A year previously, we issued more work permits for immigrants from outside the EU than Germany or Sweden. These numbers must be taken into account in all debates on building European solidarity. This solidarity is needed at all times," said Mr Ortyl.