Poland to invest billions in Eastern border security, says Interior Minister Duszczyk

Poland will allocate billions of euros to fortify its eastern border, with approximately 80% of the cost for constructing a barrier along the border with Belarus already funded by Poland. Speaking at the closed Polish-Belarus border crossing in Polowce-Piešcak on Thursday, Polish Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk emphasized the country’s commitment to border security and detailed the investments being made.

Duszczyk stated that while the EU does not fund border barriers directly, Warsaw has utilized European funds for technical enhancements and road infrastructure improvements in the border zone. From a military perspective, completing the network of technical and natural barriers along Poland’s eastern border is estimated to cost €2.3 billion, according to the minister.

The statement was made during a visit by European journalists invited by Poland under its Presidency of the Council of the EU. The group was given an overview of the border fence’s construction, the management of asylum access, and the Shield East program, which focuses on protecting NATO’s eastern flank.

The project to secure Poland’s border began in late summer 2021 with the construction of a 5.5-meter-high, 187-kilometer-long steel fence topped with barbed wire. The barrier, completed in June 2022, cost more than €375 million. An electronic surveillance system was later added, covering 206 kilometers and equipped with 3,000 night-vision cameras and motion sensors at a cost of €71.8 million.

The fence aims to stop illegal migrants, whom Duszczyk alleged arrive on flights using Russian student visas. Poland has borne most of the costs for the project, covering 80% of the expenses. EU funds have been used to install advanced night-vision cameras and improve mobility for border guards by constructing road infrastructure near the barrier.

Last year, the European Commission allocated €170 million to support border security for member states bordering Russia and Belarus, of which Poland received €52 million. These funds are being used for road improvements near the border to facilitate quicker border guard responses to potential breaches.

The border crossing at Polowce-Piešcak is also strategically important for NATO and the EU. It serves as a potential military barrier against any hostile advance from Brest. Military officials highlighted the defensive measures in place, including interconnected stone hedgehogs, areas prepared for quick deployment of landmines, and dense forests that act as natural obstacles to military equipment.

Poland faces the challenge of protecting its 800-kilometer-long eastern border, which includes critical sections near Kaliningrad and Belarus. In 2023, Poland spent 4.14% of its GDP on defense, with plans to increase that to 4.7% in 2024. By 2028, Poland aims to complete its border security initiatives, integrating natural barriers such as wetlands and tree lines, alongside technical solutions, as part of the €2.3 billion investment.

Duszczyk’s remarks underline Poland’s growing focus on strengthening its role as a key player in NATO’s defense strategy, as well as ensuring the integrity of the EU’s external borders.

Photo: Maciej Duszczyk, Polish Interior Minister