Poland to temporarily reinstate border checks with Germany and Lithuania from July 7

The Polish government has announced plans to temporarily reintroduce border controls with Germany and Lithuania starting on July 7, citing changes in migration patterns and Germany’s continued restrictive border measures towards migrants. The decision follows a high-level security briefing attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, alongside officials from the Border Guard, the Polish Army, and the police.

Prime Minister Tusk stated that the move aims to protect national security while minimizing disruption for citizens. He explained that preparations are underway to ensure the logistical readiness of the operation, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration in cooperation with the Border Guard.

Germany reintroduced controls at several of its borders on 16 October 2023, including its border with Poland, citing concerns over migration routes passing through Belarus and Poland into the European Union. Despite Poland’s efforts to secure its eastern border, Germany has extended its controls until at least 15 September 2025.

Tusk noted that, over the past month, Germany has intensified measures along the Polish-German border, increasingly refusing entry to migrants attempting to cross into Germany. Poland had warned Germany that it might adopt reciprocal measures if the situation persisted.

While emphasizing Poland’s support for the principles of the Schengen Area and free movement within Europe, Tusk said that cooperation between neighboring states must be symmetrical and based on mutual commitment. He described the temporary border controls as a necessary step under the current circumstances, while instructing the Border Guard to minimize any negative effects for travelers and businesses.

Alongside controls on the German border, Poland will also reinstate checks at the border with Lithuania. Tusk highlighted the effectiveness of Poland’s measures along the Belarusian border, noting a 98% success rate in preventing illegal crossings. However, he pointed out that migrants are now attempting to enter Poland via Lithuania, prompting the need for increased controls. Migrants intercepted by Polish authorities will be redirected to Lithuania in accordance with existing regulations.

Tusk emphasized that Poland has invested significant resources into securing its borders, including financial expenditure and personnel deployment, and will continue to push for stronger cooperation with Lithuania, Latvia, and other European countries to combat illegal migration and human smuggling.

The Prime Minister also praised the work of Poland’s border services, acknowledging the challenges faced by officers on the country’s eastern and western borders. He criticized political figures who, he said, undermine public trust in the Border Guard and lend support to activist groups that disrupt operations at the border. Tusk called for unified support across political lines for the services responsible for national security, emphasizing the risks faced daily by border officers working to safeguard Poland’s territory and citizens.

Photo: Prime Minister Donald Tusk (gov.pl)