The European Commission reacted to the increase in the number of attacks against Ukrainians in Poland

The European Commission is monitoring how Poland complies with EU legislation requirements on combating racism and xenophobia. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was told this by the European Commission in response to an inquiry about the increase in reported cases of aggression against Ukrainians in Poland.

According to the Polish National Police Headquarters, during the first six months of 2026, Ukrainian citizens filed 30% more reports with the police than during the same period last year.

"The European Commission condemns all forms of hate crime and hate speech. The Commission will continue to support Ukrainians in connection with russia's war of aggression for as long as necessary. Equal treatment, non-discrimination and solidarity are fundamental principles of the EU", - a European Commission spokesperson said.

He recalled that the European Commission regularly provides special EU funding to member states hosting Ukrainians.

"The Commission monitors the implementation of the Framework Decision in all member states, particularly in Poland", - the European Commission spokesperson said.

This refers to the EU Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia. As explained by the European Commission, EU legislation requires member states to criminalize hate speech and public incitement to violence, particularly on the grounds of national or ethnic origin.

EU countries must also consider a racist or xenophobic motive as an aggravating circumstance when dealing with other criminal offenses.

"The recently adopted revision of the Victims' Rights Directive further strengthens the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, particularly victims of hate crime. Member states must promptly transpose the strengthened provisions of the updated Directive into national legislation and ensure their effective implementation", - the European Commission spokesperson added.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar, who is currently completing his term in the position, spoke about increased accountability in Poland.

In an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, he explained that the increase in official statistics on reports from Ukrainians may be linked not only to an increase in the number of cases of aggression, but also to the fact that Polish law enforcement agencies have recently strengthened the system for detecting and investigating crimes motivated by prejudice.

"Polish legislation has now changed. Liability for hatred based on nationality is being introduced. Relevant units have been established within the Polish prosecutor's office that deal with such cases with particular attention. In addition, at the beginning of the year we issued a special guide for Ukrainian citizens explaining how to act in cases of aggression or other emergency situations", - Vasyl Bodnar said.

Since February 2026, prosecutor's offices in Poland have specialized in handling such cases. The Ministry of Justice designated specific prosecutor's offices that must monitor and provide legal assessments of crimes motivated by prejudice, regardless of where they were committed.