Military Assistance: Poland Deploys 5,000 Troops for Border Patrol Duties
In a move aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the Polish government has announced it will reinstate temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania, effective July 7, 2025. This decision follows a similar action taken by Germany in October 2023.
The increased security measures are a response to a rising number of illegal migrants attempting to enter the European Union through Poland's eastern borders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that these measures are necessary to minimize uncontrolled border crossings and to respond symmetrically to Germany's actions.
Border checks will be random but may cause delays, especially in border towns where surveillance will be heightened. Up to 5,000 soldiers will be deployed to assist in these efforts. These soldiers will come from voluntary homeland defense associations and the military police, with the Polish air force monitoring border areas using drones during the border controls.
It's important to note that this is not the first time Poland has taken steps to secure its borders. For years, Poland has been assisting the border guard in securing the border with Belarus, which is equipped with a high fence and surveillance systems to hinder irregular migration into the EU.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) ordered the intensification of border controls shortly after the new federal government took office in May. Asylum seekers can now be rejected at the border, according to orders from Minister Dobrindt.
Germany has been conducting random checks at the border with Poland since October 2023. The Polish army was not mentioned in previous reports regarding this situation, but it will play a crucial role in the upcoming border controls with Germany and Lithuania. Other soldiers will be assigned tasks related to leadership, logistics, training, and general security operations.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by European countries to manage migration and maintain border security in the face of increasing challenges.
Political discussions on migration continue, as the Polish government implements stricter border controls with Germany and Lithuania, following Germany's similar actions, in a bid to address the increasing number of uncontrolled border crossings within the European Union's general-news landscape. This decision also responds symmetrically to Germany's actions, with up to 5,000 soldiers from voluntary homeland defense associations, military police, and the Polish air force being deployed to secure the borders, bolstering their monitoring capabilities using drones.
