Controversy over Border Regulations: Tusk Rejects Merz's Migration Strategy
Merz's migration route does not include Tusk.
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On his inaugural day, new Federal Chancellor, Merz, embarks on a tour to Paris, followed by Warsaw. But, don't expect a warm welcome from Polish Prime Minister, Tusk. Poland expresses discontent over Merz's proposed migration policy. The black-red coalition's approach doesn't sit well with Poland.
Tusk lashed out against Merz's migration plan, stating, "Germany waves in whoever it wants. Poland, on the other hand, only accepts those it deems fit." Tusk was referring to the "Dublin Center" built near the German-Polish border, designed to facilitate the return of asylum seekers to other EU countries. Tusk was not a fan of Germany sending certain groups of migrants to Poland.
Politics: Dobrindt Proposes Tougher Border Measures, Poland Protests
Tusk isn't on board with Merz's plan to beef up border controls either. "If someone decides to erect borders at the Polish frontier, Poland will do the same. Such a move doesn't make sense in the long run," Tusk criticized.
Poland's concerns about Merz's migration policy go beyond border controls. The Polish prime minister argues that stricter border checks could disrupt freedom of movement for both people and goods, consequently affecting regional cooperation.
Guarding External Borders
Tusk highlighted Poland's significant role in safeguarding the EU's external borders. He accused the Belarusian government, led by Alexander Lukashenko, of intentionally pushing migrants from crisis regions towards the EU's eastern border. Tusk anticipates the new government in Germany to collaborate in reinforcing external border security.
Migration Policies: Poland Delivers Harsh Criticism
Merz voiced support for Poland in preserving the EU's external borders, even offering assistance. He believes the EU must take collective action to curb illegal immigration. Simultaneously, Merz maintained a balance, advocating for open borders, which he sees as crucial for jobs and prosperity within the EU.
In summary, the EU is braced for a battle over border control and migration policies. The new government in Germany, under Chancellor Merz, is committed to tighter border checks, limited asylum access, and potentially contravening EU laws on pushbacks. Poland, on the other hand, argues for open borders and warns against disrupting the internal market and daily cross-border life.
Sources: ntv.de, jog/dpa
- Germany
- Poland
- Friedrich Merz
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Migration
- Migrants
- Immigration
- Refugees
- Refugee Policy
- EU
Enrichment Data:
Germany's Fresh Approach to Migration- Merz's government enforces stricter checks at German borders and intends to reject more irregular migrants, including asylum seekers. However, exceptions are made for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and those with special needs.- The European Commission raises concerns about pushbacks breaching EU law, stressing that asylum processes must remain fair and accessible.
Poland's Resistance to Tighter Border Controls- Poland argues that existing border checks already pose issues for free movement of people and goods, and further tightening may cause additional disruptions to cross-border trade and regional cooperation.- Poland expresses concerns that stricter border control measures may undermine the integrity of the Schengen zone and the EU's single market.
Similarities and differences between Germany and Poland on border controls:
| Country | Main Policy Focus | Concerns Raised | Stance on Dublin Regulation | Impact on Schengen/Internal Market ||-----------|--------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|| Germany | Tightened border controls, pushbacks, selective asylum access | May violate EU law on pushbacks; may disrupt EU's single market and Schengen zone | Plans to refuse asylum seekers from other EU states, potentially conflicting with Dublin Regulation | Risks increased tensions within EU || Poland | Opposes further border controls, supports open movement | Disruption to trade, daily traffic, internal market | Upholds Dublin rules, advocates for shared asylum system | Warns against potential market disruptions |
- Germany, under Chancellor Merz, is taking a stricter approach to border controls, aiming to reject more irregular migrants, including asylum seekers, yet the European Commission has expressed concerns about potential pushbacks breaching EU law.
- Poland, contrary to Merz's plans, argues against further border controls, citing concerns that stricter measures may cause disruptions to cross-border trade and regional cooperation, potentially undermining the integrity of the Schengen zone and the EU's single market.
- The Polish Prime Minister, Tusk, has criticized Merz's migration strategy, stating that Germany's approach to welcoming whoever it wants contradicts Poland's stance of only accepting those deemed fit.
- Despite Tusk's criticism, Merz has offered support to Poland in preserving the EU's external borders and advocates for collective action to curb illegal immigration, while maintaining a balance between open borders and the need for jobs and prosperity within the EU.
