Anticipated increase in traffic congestion at Polish border checkpoints - Consultation held on proposed radiation worker safeguard legislation
The heightened border controls between Germany and Poland, reinstated on July 7, 2025, are primarily aimed at curbing irregular migration and human trafficking amid growing concerns about unauthorized migrant crossings in the region[1][3].
### Effects and Implications
These temporary controls have disrupted the usual free movement under the Schengen Agreement, causing delays and congestion at border checkpoints, especially during the vacation season when cross-border travel typically spikes[1][4]. Travelers and commercial traffic face longer wait times, impacting tourism and trade flows.
The controls focus on preventing unauthorized crossings and reducing irregular migration flows between the two countries[1][3]. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that the measures are necessary despite their impact on freedom of movement. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the need for maintaining border controls until external EU borders can be sufficiently secured[1].
The reintroduction of controls reflects growing tensions within the EU over migration policy and border security, signaling a shift from collective European solidarity towards national-level management[3]. Merkel’s government denies any forced repatriation of asylum seekers from Germany to Poland, highlighting a complex dynamic underlying migration enforcement[1].
### Solutions and Collaborative Efforts
Both German and Polish leaders have engaged in discussions aiming to coordinate better border security efforts, acknowledging the need for a shared approach to managing migration challenges[1]. Continued dialogue and cooperation may mitigate some negative effects on traffic congestion by improving processing efficiency and focusing on targeted checks rather than broad controls.
Long-term solutions depend on strengthening the external EU borders and developing more unified migration management strategies that lessen the need for internal border checks[1]. The traffic congestion on the A 12 near Frankfurt (Oder) due to border controls continues to be a concern, with the Police Union (GdP) fearing larger traffic congestion during the vacation season due to German border controls with Poland.
In an attempt to alleviate the traffic congestion, Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) has proposed adding a third lane on the Autobahn 12. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is also examining solutions to reduce traffic disruptions due to German controls with the Federal Police.
However, the GdP views the more intensive border controls on the German side since May as fundamentally skeptical, with concerns about the question of how long the current border control measures can be maintained due to the additional workload for the Federal Police.
The increased border controls between Germany and Poland highlight evolving political dynamics within the EU on migration and border control policies, necessitating collaborative responses and potentially more sustainable, long-term migration solutions to alleviate border congestion and tensions[1][3][4].
- The community and employment policies within both Germany and Poland might need to address the consequences of heightened border controls, ensuring they account for the impact on tourism, trade, and human resources from increased border congestion.
- As the migration policy-and-legislation debate continues to shape politics in Europe, it is essential for leaders to focus on collaboration to streamline border security efforts, reducing traffic congestion and working towards long-term, unified migration management strategies.
