Customs checks gridlock traffic at Frankfurt/Slubice border, causing significant traffic jams.
Let's chat about the tense situation between Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice:
The city of Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and its border neighbor Słubice, Poland, are feeling the strain due to stationary border controls put in place to combat illegal immigration since fall 2023. Members of the Industry and Commerce Chamber (IHK) have conveyed deep concern about the uncertain future and the impact on the region, particularly the close ties between the cities.
Fear of the unknown:Guido Noack, IHK's traffic expert in Frankfurt (Oder), expressed his anxiety about the unsure end date for these controls and the return to normalcy. The uncertainty is creating a hindrance to the region's thriving atmosphere.
Impacts on traffic:Since autumn 2023, the border controls in the state of Brandenburg have intensified to reduce illegal migration, leading to significant traffic jams. Mayor Claus Junghanns (CDU) of Frankfurt (Oder) is actively working with the federal government to find a speedy solution to alleviate the traffic chaos. To lessen the impact on traffic flow, the Federal Police have been discussing changes and relocating control activities for some time.
The main focus of the border controls in Brandenburg is on the heavily used Autobahn 12. The moving traffic checks have led to traffic jams, causing drivers to face detours. "Słubice is completely jammed," explains traffic expert Noack, especially on Sunday evenings, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
Crippling delays for drivers:The traffic jams result in delays of two hours or more for drivers. Many complaints are pouring in from the Polish neighbors, according to Noack, who adds that the A12 between Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) sees approximately four million trucks annually.
Perspectives from the Federal Police:In response to a request about the burdens imposed by the traffic jams, the Federal Police noted that they are continuously reviewing measures to keep inconveniences to a minimum. They prioritize suitable control sites that meet both legal and operational tactical needs. However, the Federal Police attribute the primary causes of traffic jams to the Sunday driving ban for trucks, construction sites, and an outdated traffic infrastructure.
Federal Interior Minister's stance:Despite a recent court decision, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) remained firm in his stance on migration policy. The Administrative Court of Berlin ruled on Monday that the repatriation of three Somalis at a Frankfurt (Oder) station border control was unlawful due to the lack of clarification of the EU country responsible for the asylum applications of the affected individuals. Despite this, the three individuals were returned to Poland.
Implications for traffic, economy, and community:The impact of stationary border controls on traffic and the economy between the two cities is substantial and multifaceted. The prolonged waiting times and disruptions can result in increased travel times, trade disruption, and delays for businesses, negatively affecting the local economies. The congestion on the roads can also impact tourism and service industries, with potential consequences for social interactions and community dynamics between the cities. The economic disruption poses challenges for business relationships and long-term partnerships.
In-depth scientific studies and discussions, such as those conducted by the Viadrina Center B/ORDERS IN MOTION, emphasize the necessity of comprehending these impacts to develop more effective and integrated border policies.
The intense border controls have ignited discussions in the realms of policy-and-legislation and politics, as the general-news surrounding the tense situation between Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice continues to unfold. The uncertain future, compounded by the uncertain end date for these controls, causes anxiety for Guido Noack, the traffic expert in Frankfurt (Oder), as it hinders the thriving atmosphere in the region and poses challenges for business relationships and long-term partnerships.
