Poland maintains border restrictions until 4th October
In response to growing concerns about irregular migration, Poland has decided to extend its temporary border controls with Germany until October 4. This extension comes after increased security measures on Poland's eastern border with Belarus and Russia have led to a shift in migration flows towards other EU countries, such as Lithuania, Latvia, and subsequently Poland and Germany.
The Polish Interior Minister, Marcin Kierwiński, explained that the extended controls are necessary because Belarusian and Russian efforts to push illegal migration have moved to other sections of the EU border, making it crucial to maintain and extend controls to intercept migrants before they reach Germany.
The decision to extend the border controls was made during a meeting with representatives of regional authorities about illegal migration. The neighboring countries in the EU have been informed about the extension.
Since the introduction of border controls on July 7, a total of 243,683 people and 110,212 vehicles have been checked at the crossings to Germany. Entry to Poland was refused to 105 people during this period, while Poland took in 72 people returned from Germany and sent six migrants back to Germany.
The European Commission's ordinance regarding the border controls has been submitted for notification. The affected European partners are said to understand the extension fully, according to Minister Kierwinski. The extension of border controls also applies to the border between Poland and Lithuania.
Germany has been conducting random checks at its border with Poland since October 2023, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt ordering more intensive border controls shortly after the new federal government took office in May. Asylum seekers can also be turned back at the border in Germany, as ordered by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
The extension of the border controls is in response to concerns about illegal migration. Under pressure from right-wing citizen militias, Poland introduced border controls on July 7, following Germany's lead. The extension of the border controls was announced by news agency PAP.
In September, the next steps regarding the border controls will be decided based on data from the border guard, military, and police. The European Commission's ordinance regarding the border controls has already been submitted for notification, as stated earlier.
By extending its border controls, Poland aims to control and reduce irregular migration transiting towards Germany and neighbouring EU states. The shift in illegal migration activities has occurred due to the 98-percent density of Polish borders achieved through the introduction of border controls in July.
- In light of the escalating illegal migration activities, the Polish Interior Minister, Marcus Kierwiński, asserts that the extended border controls with Germany are essential to intercept migrants before they reach Germany, given the shift in migration flows towards Poland and EU countries like Lithuania and Germany.
- The European Commission's ordinance regarding the border controls has been submitted for notification, as Poland aims to control and reduce irregular migration transiting towards Germany and neighbouring EU states by extending its border controls with Lithuania and Germany, following a rise in migration activities due to intensified efforts from Belarusian and Russian forces.
