Why Has Poland Extended Border Controls with Germany and Lithuania?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Poland has taken a significant step by extending its temporary border control measures with Germany and Lithuania for another six months. This move raises questions about the country's approach to migration and border security amidst ongoing challenges. What implications does this have for the region's stability?
Key Takeaways
- Poland has extended border controls with Germany and Lithuania for six more months.
- The new regulation takes effect Sunday, lasting until April 4, 2024.
- Checks are conducted at 50 points along the Polish-German border.
- Minister Marcin Kierwinski stresses national safety is the priority.
- Poland has recorded nearly 25,000 illegal crossings this year.
Warsaw, Oct 5 (NationPress) Poland has decided to prolong its temporary border control measures with Germany and Lithuania for an additional six months, with the new regulation set to commence on Sunday and remaining effective until April 4 of the following year.
As per reports from Polish media, the decree was officially signed by Marcin Kierwinski, the Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration, on Wednesday.
Poland first instituted these temporary border controls on July 7 at its western border with Germany and northeastern border with Lithuania, subsequently extending the measures to October 4. Current checks are being carried out at 50 locations along the Polish-German border and 13 along the Polish-Lithuanian border, according to the Polish Press Agency.
During a press conference following the Munich Migration Meeting on Saturday, Kierwinski expressed that Poland is not prepared to accept any regulations regarding the relocation of migrants within the European Union, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.
He emphasized that Poland has already endured significant challenges in maintaining the bloc's external border, citing nearly 25,000 illegal crossings recorded at the border with Belarus this year.
Earlier in September, Poland reopened its border with Belarus at midnight on Thursday, almost two weeks after having closed it in anticipation of Russian-Belarusian military exercises, according to local media.
Three freight rail crossings, namely Terespol-Brest, Kuznica-Grodno, and Siemianowka-Svisloch, were reopened for cargo trains. Additionally, the Terespol-Brest crossing is now accessible for passenger vehicles, while the Kukuryki-Kozlowicze crossing has resumed operations for trucks, as reported.
All border crossings with Belarus were closed at midnight on September 12 in response to the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercise titled Zapad-2025, which occurred from September 12-16.
When Poland decided to close its border with Belarus, Kierwinski stated that border traffic would be reinstated only when the government is fully assured that "the safety of Polish citizens is completely guaranteed."
Point of View
I believe that Poland's decision to extend border controls is a reflection of its commitment to national security and stability in the region. While this measure raises concerns about migration policies, it underlines the complexities that countries face in managing borders in today's geopolitical landscape. Poland's actions are a reminder of the delicate balance between security and humanitarian responsibilities.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Poland extend its border controls?
Poland extended its border controls with Germany and Lithuania to enhance national security and manage the challenges posed by illegal crossings, particularly at the border with Belarus.
How long will the extended border controls be in effect?
The extended border controls will be in effect until April 4 of next year.
What prompted the initial border control measures?
The initial border control measures were implemented in response to rising illegal crossings and security concerns linked to migration.
What has been the impact of the border controls?
The border controls have resulted in checks at numerous points along the Polish-German and Polish-Lithuanian borders, addressing security concerns effectively.
