Poland will take action against unofficial border patrol groups. - Poland Planning Actions Against Border Patrols Conducted by Civic Guards
In a move aimed at addressing growing concerns over irregular migration and political pressure, Poland has intensified its border controls with Germany. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk on July 7, 2025, comes in response to criticism over perceived lax border protection and the formation of citizen militias patrolling the German border to prevent migrant crossings.
The recent escalation in border controls follows tensions with Germany concerning allegations of irregular migrants being sent into Poland. Tusk emphasized the need to prevent illegal crossings, drawing parallels with Poland's highly secured eastern border with Belarus, which has involved significant effort and bloodshed.
The decision to tighten border controls is part of a broader European trend, with several Schengen area countries reintroducing border checks amid the migration challenges. However, the resurgence of citizen militias—groups of civilians organizing border patrols—is a sign of public frustration and distrust toward official border management policies.
A newly formed "Movement for the Defense of Borders," led by Robert Bakiewicz, a well-known Polish right-winger, is calling for self-appointed patrols at border crossings to Germany. The initiative's website states that they are looking for people who will serve with them at the border from June 27 to July 6, recruiting "brave, responsible, and committed" individuals for their border patrols.
However, the Polish government is set to crack down on these militias, aiming to bring border control under official supervision and avoid unauthorized or potentially unlawful actions by civilians. All cases of insulting officials, hindering their work, and usurping authority by these militias have been documented and forwarded to the prosecutor's office.
Germany has also taken action, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) ordering more intensive border controls and directing that asylum seekers can be rejected at the border. Since October 2023, Germany has been conducting random checks at the Polish border to stop irregular migration.
The situation underscores the tension between liberal government factions and nationalist-populist opposition in Poland. While the government's tougher stance under Tusk's administration may find support among citizen militias, it also fuels the right-wing conservative opposition party PiS and the far-right in Poland.
As Poland navigates this delicate balance between security, migration management, and its role within the European Union and Schengen Area agreements, the "Movement for the Defense of Borders" embodies the grassroots dimension, pushing for stronger border protections alongside official state measures.
- The community policy in Poland, in response to the escalating issue of irregular migration and political pressure, is currently focusing on strengthening border controls, as highlighted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
- The decision to tighten employment policies, including border controls, is not unique to Poland; it is part of a broader European trend aimed at addressing migration challenges within the Schengen area.
- As tensions rise between liberal and nationalist-populist factions in Poland, grassroots movements such as the "Movement for the Defense of Borders" are emerging, calling for stricter border controls and adding pressure on the government to address the concerns of the general public.
