Understanding responses to migration. The refugee crisis and the Polish paradox.

Abstract

The 2015 refugee crisis caused an unprecedented shockwave of migration in the EU, causing the Union to make changes in its approach to migration management. The members of the Visegrád Group, however, showed continuous reluctance to accept the EU’s relocation scheme. Scholars studying discourse have observed the securitization of migration in these countries, but little is written about the specific context of these processes. This article uses Poland as a case study and builds on Balzacq's (2010) point about the importance of the social and historical context. As claimed by Balzacq (2010), the discourse is inherently shaped and limited by its context rather than existing in isolation. Therefore, this article analyses the setting in which the Polish securitizing discourse on migration was adopted by looking at the distal and proximate context. It highlights how Poland’s complex historical and socio-cultural background—marked by emigration patterns, demographic challenges, strong EU support, and Christian values—paradoxically facilitated the securitisation process. The findings emphasize the interplay between structural and political factors in shaping migration policies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for addressing ongoing migration challenges, fostering EU solidarity, and formulating effective policy responses to future migration pressures.