Poland Implements Temporary Border Controls Amid Migration Tensions with Germany

In a significant move to address rising tensions over irregular migration, Poland announced on Monday that it would implement temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania. Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed this decision following a government meeting with the Polish border guard, amid escalating domestic political pressure and protests backed by far-right factions at border crossings over the weekend. During an opening statement at the weekly cabinet meeting, Tusk attributed the border control decision to a shift in Germany's migration policy, suggesting it resulted in an effective denial of entry to migrants seeking asylum or legal status in Germany. "The way operations are conducted at the Polish-German border has clearly changed over the past month," Tusk stated. The transformation in border control measures follows the election of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has made a stringent migration policy a cornerstone of his campaign. After assuming office in May, Merz increased police presence at the border and indicated that certain individuals attempting to cross into Germany would be denied entry. This action came after his predecessor extended by six months the temporary border checks that were established last autumn to curtail the influx of migrants entering Germany. Tusk criticized the German policy change, claiming it placed undue pressure on Poland to accept migrants who had been turned away at the German border. He expressed concerns about the difficulties in determining the status of individuals redirected to Poland without proper border checks on the Polish side. Tusk remarked, "With no border checks, it becomes difficult to determine whether those being returned or redirected should be sent to Poland." He warned Merz on several occasions that Poland's patience was waning. "We have been strong advocates for the Schengen area and visa-free travel within the EU, but this system requires symmetrical commitment from all neighboring countries," Tusk emphasized. He stated that the reinstatement of temporary border controls was essential to minimize the uncontrolled flow of migrants. Under EU regulations, member states are permitted to reintroduce border controls temporarily in cases of significant threats, particularly to internal security, but such measures should be employed as a last resort and must be time-limited. Tusk also delivered a pointed warning to Merz, declaring that if Germany were to extend its one-sided border controls in September, Poland would retaliate similarly, asserting, "The time when Poland would not respond appropriately to such actions has definitively come to an end." The debate surrounding migration in Poland has intensified in recent weeks, with far-right activists organizing patrols along the border with Germany. The implementation of temporary border controls with Lithuania is perceived as a response to the German policy shift. Tusk explained that the closure of the heavily militarized Polish-Belarusian border to irregular migration had led to neighboring countries becoming alternative entry points into the Schengen area, exacerbated by ongoing illegal migration orchestrated by Russia and Belarus. In a press conference held alongside the prime minister of Luxembourg, Merz addressed the growing criticism from Poland. Just minutes prior to Tusk's announcement, Merz acknowledged his awareness of Polish concerns, while maintaining that there were no instances of asylum seekers being returned from Germany to Poland. He stated, "We naturally want to preserve the Schengen area, but freedom of movement will only work in the long term if it is not abused by those promoting irregular migration, particularly by smuggling migrants." This unfolding situation highlights the complexities and challenges faced by EU member states as they navigate immigration policies and border security amid rising migration pressures. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2