Government plans to minimize congestion at border checkpoints
In response to increased border checks between Germany and Poland, both countries are working together to find solutions that minimize traffic disruptions. The need for action is highlighted by Brandenburg's Minister President, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), who has advocated for joint or coordinated border checks and infrastructural modifications, such as the addition of a third lane for border processing on the A12 motorway.
Woidke, a former Poland coordinator, has expressed a need for a signal from the federal government regarding joint controls with Poland. His concerns are shared by Brandenburg's Interior Minister René Wilke (independent, for SPD) and the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Brandenburg and Saxony, who have warned of major traffic jams that could result from the renewed border controls.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior is working with federal police to strategically select inspection locations that minimize impact on traffic while still meeting security needs. Collaborative border management is also under consideration, with the potential for joint checks by German and Polish police forces.
To further streamline the process and reduce wait times, Poland is willing to waive controls at the border with Germany if Germany lifts its own controls, as stated by Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Similarly, Germany has been conducting random checks at the border with Poland since October 2023, with the aim of ensuring the smoothness of cross-border travel and goods traffic.
Both countries are preparing to implement dynamic traffic management, including real-time updates for drivers, recommendations for alternative routes, and emergency lanes for quicker response times in case of long queues or accidents. These measures are intended to mitigate the potential for severe congestion, similar to previous experiences where drivers faced wait times of several hours.
Cooperation with the uniformed services of neighboring countries takes place within the framework of the Schengen Agreement. The Federal Police is examining these adaptations in conjunction with all relevant parties, with the Federal Ministry of the Interior aiming to minimize traffic disruptions due to border controls with Poland.
As Poland plans to temporarily introduce border controls with Germany on Monday, both countries remain committed to finding solutions that balance security needs with the need to keep traffic moving. The focus on infrastructure investments and collaborative border management reflects a shared understanding that ongoing coordination is key to mitigating the disruptions caused by renewed border controls.
- Brandenburg's Minister President, Dietmar Woidke, has called for joint or coordinated border checks with Poland, expressing the need for a federal government signal on this matter.
- The German Federal Ministry of the Interior is exploring collaborative border management with Poland, considering joint checks by German and Polish police forces.
- Poland is willing to waive controls at the border with Germany if Germany lifts its own controls, aiming to reduce wait times and traffic congestion.
- In order to streamline the process and minimize traffic disruptions, both countries are preparing to implement dynamic traffic management, including real-time updates, alternative routes, and emergency lanes for accidents.
- Cooperation with neighboring countries on border control is governed by the Schengen Agreement, with the German Federal Police examining these adaptations alongside relevant parties, with the aim of maintaining smooth traffic flow.
