laying down the law: merz's new immigration policy sparks a spat between poland and germany
Merz's migration path doesn't include Tusk.
The new German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is shaking things up with some tough immigration policies, and it's not going down well with Poland’s leader, Donald Tusk. Tensions are running high between the two nations, causing a diplomatic ruckus.
let the games begin
On his very first day as Chancellor, Merz jet-setted off to Paris, followed by Warsaw. But, the warm welcoming words Tusk had prepared were replaced by stern criticism. Poland isn't too pleased with Merz's ambitious immigration policy.
In a jab at Germany, Tusk stated, "Germany welcomes whomever it pleases into its borders, but Poland only admits those we accept". Tusk was referring to the "Dublin center" set up close to the Polish border, designed to manage the return of asylum seekers to other EU countries. The center is expected to facilitate the transfer of migrants, particularly to Poland.
shoring up the defenses
Tusk also spoke out against Merz's plan to strengthen border controls. "If Germany decides to enforce controls along the Polish border, Poland will do the same," Tusk asserted. He argues that such measures wouldn't make sense in the long run.
walking the line: security and freedom
Tusk pointed out that Poland carries a significant burden in safeguarding the EU's external borders. He accused the government of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of intentionally driving migrants from crisis regions towards the EU's eastern border. Tusk called on the new German government to cooperate in securing the external borders.
In supporting Poland, Merz said they were obligated to better protect the EU's external borders. He insisted that they would find workable solutions to address illegal migration while respecting the Schengen rules that ensure open borders within the EU.
a toe-to-toe standoff
The ongoing row between Poland and Germany shows no signs of abating. The dispute reflects larger disagreements within the EU about managing migration while maintaining the principles of free movement. As Germany moves forward with its plans, the fallout on bilateral relations and the broader Schengen Area will remain a Point of Interest[1][2][5].
Quick Facts: Poland and Germany, Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, Migration, Asylum seekers, Border Controls, Schengen Agreement, EU
Enrichment Data: The new German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has implemented stricter border controls, effective May 6, 2025. These controls include increased documentation checks and more deportations. Poland has expressed concerns about the impact on daily traffic, the undermining of Schengen principles, and potential regional economic strain[1][5].
[1] - Source: ntv.de, jog/dpa[2] - Specific Details: Permanent border controls were introduced on May 6, 2025, following earlier temporary measures in September 2024. The number of federal police officers was increased by several thousand.[3] - Additional Information: These measures are in line with a broader EU-wide shift toward stricter border enforcement, including the ETIAS system and recent court rulings supporting deportations and tighter asylum controls.[4] - Humanitarian Perspective: Critics warn that stricter controls and deportations may shift burdens onto less-prepared countries and jeopardize the rights of asylum seekers and migrants.[5] - Overall Context: The dispute reveals ongoing tensions within the EU regarding migration management and the balance between national security interests and the free movement principle.
- The new German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has sparked a dispute with Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, by implementing a stringent immigration policy that Poland finds unpalatable.
- In response to Merz's policies, Tusk criticized Germany's open borders, stating, "Poland only admits those we accept," referring to a bordering EU center designed for migrant return.
- Tusk also contested Merz's plan to strengthen border controls, threatening reciprocal action if Germany enforces them along the Polish border.
- Tusk argued that Poland bears a significant responsibility for safeguarding the EU's external borders and called on the new German government to work together in securing them.
- Merz expressed support for Poland's stance, insisting they should protect the EU's external borders while finding solutions that comply with Schengen rules maintaining open borders within the EU.
