Poland's Citizenship Laws and EU Immigration

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed concerns Aug. 22 over the potential for mass emigration of Ukrainian nationals to Poland sparked by a recent change in Polish law making it easier to obtain Polish citizenship. Warsaw's decision to relax its citizenship process for foreigners reflects Poland's economic and demographic needs, but the law also could create domestic tensions if Polish workers perceive an immigration surge as a threat. Furthermore, the law risks fueling tensions between Poland and its western neighbors, as the change could allow foreign nationals to eventually become EU citizens.