Update 2: Poland vows to tackle migration during EU presidency

Poland has vowed to make migration on the challenges it has to tackle during its Presidency of the European Union, which starts on July 1.

Polish Premier Donald Tusk told the media this afternoon that Poland believed the EU should assist countries like Malta, which were facing this problem.

While an arrival of 800 people in 24 hours would not be impressive for Poland, one could understand the magnitude of the challenge for a country with a population like Malta’s. This was a challenge not just for Malta but for all the EU.

While the basic security and humanitarian needs of these people had to be guaranteed, the EU also needed to act to protect countries like Malta.

Mr Tusk was addressing the media following a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in Warsaw.

The two prime ministers also discussed their common position against the introduction of a common EU taxation system and a common corporate tax. They also discussed the new EU financial package which was to be discussed during the Polish presidency.

Referring to the introduction of the Euro by Poland shortly, Mr Tusk said it was heartening to hear Dr Gonzi say how this had been an absolutely positive experience for Malta.

Dr Gonzi said that the Polish presidency was coming at a very important point in history when peoples next door to Europe people were discovering freedom to make their own choices.

He noted that on a bilateral level, relations between Malta and Poland had flourished since both countries joined the EU in 2004.

In the meantime, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski signed two bilateral agreements for the avoidance of double taxation and on the prevention of tax evasion.

Dr Gonzi said these agreements would held strengthen business ties between two countries.

This evening, Dr Gonzi inaugurated Malta’s first embassy in Poland. The ambassador is Godwin Montanaro.

Malta's presence in Poland was previously through a consulate.

Earlier, the Prime Minister called on the speakers of the Senate and Parliament, after which he laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

He then called on Polish President Bornislaw Komorowski at the Chancellory of the President.