Poland Resumes Border Checks with Germany and Lithuania Amid Growing Security Concerns
Donald Tusk’s New Policy Amid Rising Immigration Tensions
Former Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has recently announced a decisive shift in his approach to migration, a move that comes against a backdrop of growing disputes over illegal immigration.
Background
- Poland’s border with the EU has seen an influx of unauthorised migrants in the past years.
- Political pressure from both domestic allies and European partners has intensified.
- Allegations of inadequate enforcement measures prompted Tusk to reassess policy strategies.
Key Features of the New Approach
- Strengthened border controls to deter illegal entry.
- Enhanced collaboration with neighboring member states for shared intelligence.
- Implementation of transparent reporting mechanisms to track migration flows.
Implications for Poland and the EU
With this recalibration, Poland aims to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations, potentially setting a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
Poland Restarts Border Checks with Germany and Lithuania
For the first time in over a year, Polish authorities have rolled back along‑border controls at the German and Lithuanian crossings, a move announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and set to be fully active from Monday.
Key Reasons Behind the Decision
- Responding to similar restrictions introduced by German officials.
- Targeting suspected smuggling of migrants across the 467‑km shared frontier.
- Preserving freedom of movement for lawful travellers while curbing irregular migration.
Prime Minister’s Statement
“We champion open borders, but only when all neighbours act together,” Tusk declared. “Symmetry and united effort are essential to reduce uncontrolled migrant flows.”
Interior Minister’s Clarifications
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the checks focus on vehicles carrying large numbers of passengers or those with tinted windows. Ordinary tourists, the minister emphasized, “need not fear any disruptions.”
Scope and Duration
- Vehicles considered: buses, minibuses, cars with many passengers, tinted‑window cars.
- Initial enforcement period: 30 days.
- Potential extension remains a possibility.
Political Context
The policy comes after far‑right Polish groups accused Berlin of transporting migrants back to Poland. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied any such practice, insisting that no asylum seekers are returned from Germany to Polish territory.
Both Poland and Germany are Schengen members, meaning citizens typically cross borders freely for work or leisure. The new controls test the limits of that open‑border system, raising concerns among business communities.
German Perspective
Merz explained that strict border checks are necessary to prevent exploitation of the Schengen agreement by smuggling networks.
Reactions from the European Parliament
- Katarina Barley, deputy president of the European Parliament, described Poland’s measures as a “retaliation” that threatens the entire Schengen framework.
Economic Implications
German industry officials highlighted that the new Polish checks could hinder commuters, impacting punctuality and reliability for cross‑border workers.
