Poland has reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania in response to similar actions taken by Germany. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, coming into effect promptly. Tusk emphasized that while Poland supports freedom of movement within Europe, it is contingent upon mutual cooperation among neighboring countries to manage and minimize the uncontrolled flow of migrants. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak clarified that the measures are primarily aimed at combating illegal migrant smuggling, ensuring that ordinary travelers would not face difficulties.
The reinforced border checks will focus on specific forms of transport, particularly targeting buses, minibuses, as well as vehicles with numerous passengers or tinted windows. Initially, these checks will last for 30 days, though the Polish government has not dismissed the possibility of extending this period based on evolving situations. This move follows heightened pressure on Tusk from far-right factions claiming that Germany was transporting migrants into Poland, a claim which is categorically rejected by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Both Poland and Germany are members of the Schengen Area, which typically allows for seamless travel across borders, yet EU regulations permit member states to reintroduce border controls amid serious threats. Germany’s own border controls, enacted in 2023 under Chancellor Merz, were part of a broader effort to tackle human trafficking and irregular migration. The German government has increased police presence at its borders and granted authorities the capability to turn away certain asylum seekers as a precautionary measure.
Tusk has expressed that Poland’s tolerance regarding the situation has been waning. He highlighted the challenges of managing returns and redirections of migrants to Poland without concurrent checks from Germany. Merz, on his part, reaffirmed the necessity of these controls, arguing that the Schengen system relies on maintaining order and preventing abuse by those facilitating irregular migration, particularly through smuggling channels. He firmly stated that there had been no returns from Germany to Poland concerning asylum seekers already in Germany.
This newfound tension has raised significant concerns among business groups and politicians in Germany about the implications for cross-border movement and commerce. Critics warn that the reintroduction of border checks threatens not only the freedom of movement but also the operational reliability vital for businesses. Helena Melnikov of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce underscored the negative impact on cross-border commuters who may struggle to reach their workplaces on time due to delays caused by these controls.
The situation has drawn sharp political commentary, with figures like Katarina Barley highlighting Poland’s actions as a retaliatory measure against Germany, which could exacerbate tensions within the Schengen framework. She referred to the developments as a “domino effect,” warning that continued back-and-forth border reinstatements could stretch the Schengen system to its limits. The cooperation between Poland and Germany, while aimed at a common goal of managing migration, is under scrutiny and could have lasting implications for both countries and the European Union.
