European Commission reminds Poland of EU principles amid surge in aggression against Ukrainians
Photo: Ukrainian refugees in Poland (Getty Images)
Ukrainians in Poland are increasingly turning to the police over acts of aggression. The European Commission says it is monitoring compliance with EU rules, according to its response to a Radio Svoboda inquiry.
According to Poland's Police Headquarters, Ukrainian citizens filed 30% more reports with police in the first half of 2026 than during the same period last year.
A European Commission spokesperson said that the European Commission condemns all forms of hate crime and hate speech and will continue to support Ukrainians for as long as necessary in response to Russia's war of aggression.
The European Commission emphasized that equal treatment, non-discrimination and solidarity are fundamental EU principles.
The spokesperson also noted that the European Commission provides dedicated funding to EU countries hosting Ukrainians.
European Commission monitors situation in Poland
A European Commission representative said that the Commission is monitoring the implementation of the Framework Decision in all member states, including Poland.
The statement refers to the EU Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia. It requires member states to criminalize hate speech and public incitement to violence, including on grounds of national or ethnic origin.
In addition, EU countries must consider racist or xenophobic motives as an aggravating circumstance when prosecuting other criminal offenses.
EU strengthens protection for crime victims
The European Commission also highlighted updates to rules on protecting victims. According to the spokesperson, the recently adopted revision of the Victims' Rights Directive strengthens the rights, support and protection available to crime victims, including victims of hate crimes.
They added that member states must promptly incorporate the strengthened provisions of the revised Directive into national law and ensure their effective implementation.
According to updated Eurostat data, the number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in Poland fell by 6,335, or 0.7%, in June.
At the same time, Poland remains one of the EU countries hosting the largest number of Ukrainians. As of the end of June, 961,170 Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection there.
