Citizens of Afghanistan were by far the biggest group of people applying for asylum in the EU, Switzerland and Norway in September 2021.

Brussels says the Belarusian government created the crisis by luring migrants with false promises. But some say Poland and the EU are ignoring human suffering.

UN representatives traveling to the region described the situation as "appalling," calling on both countries to live up to their human rights obligations.

The United Nations has urged Belarus and Poland to address the "appalling situation" at their common border. Migrants were being pushed back and forth across the border and left with little food, clean water or shelter, the UN human rights office said.

Doctors Without Borders removed its team on the Belarus-Poland border after Warsaw blocked access to migrants trying to enter the European Union. Camped in harsh conditions, several people have died on the EU's doorstep.

A senior official has admitted the government bought the controversial Pegasus spyware, but rejected claims it was used to monitor political opponents. The scandal has drawn comparisons to Watergate in the United States.

The dispute surrounds a controversial disciplinary committee for judges set up by the government. Critics say the committee has become politicized and is being used to influence judges. DW met a judge who lost his job because of a ruling by the committee.

UK and Poland won't accept neighbourhood bully, says PM Johnson

The US is moving to bolster Poland's defense capabilities amid the rising threat of war between neighboring Ukraine and Russia. Defense Secretary Austin said the conflict could lead to a flood of refugees.

Tens of thousands of civilians have been fleeing Ukraine for Poland, many on packed trains arriving at the border city of Przemysl. Most of those arriving at the train station in the southeastern city are women and children, as well as some elderly people.

The front pages continue their focus on Vladimir Putin's bloody offensive in Ukraine. We also look at how Poland is enjoying positive publicity for a change and hoping to redeem itself in the eyes of the EU after years of strained ties. Finally, we see how supermarkets are calling for an iconic British dish – chicken Kiev – to be renamed chicken Kyiv in honour of its Ukrainian spelling.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Friday.