Polish-Side Border Inspections Intensify: Checkpoints Established for Incoming and Outgoing Travelers
Starting on July 7, 2025, Poland and Germany have reintroduced temporary border controls at their shared border, as well as at Poland's border with Lithuania. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, was made in response to concerns over illegal migration and the rising number of migrants reportedly crossing into Poland irregularly[1][3][4].
The controls aim to address the security risks and challenges posed by unauthorized migrant crossings, including smuggling activities. Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak emphasized that the checks target those involved in illegal migrant smuggling, assuring that ordinary travelers would not be affected[2][3].
These border controls are a response to similar restrictions imposed by Germany at its borders with Poland and the Czech Republic since 2023. Germany had already introduced controls in reaction to illegal migration flows, and Poland’s reinstatement reflects a symmetrical and cooperative approach between both countries to stricter migration policies[1][2][3].
Though Poland, Germany, and Lithuania are part of the Schengen Area, which normally allows free movement across internal borders, Schengen rules allow member states to reintroduce border controls temporarily in exceptional circumstances linked to serious threats to public policy or security. The controls are initially set for 30 days, but authorities have not ruled out extensions if necessary[1][2][3].
Travelers are being checked at specific border crossings, with pedestrians consistently controlled at the Krajnik Dolny control point. Cars with Polish license plates are usually being waved through at this control point, while uniformed officers are stopping vehicles with German license plates[5].
Oliver from Eberswalde, who drives to Schwedt once a week for work and then goes to Poland to tank, finds the controls acceptable for security reasons, but expresses concerns about language barriers and unclear instructions from border guards[6].
Representatives of German economic associations in the border region had warned about potential negative consequences for goods and commuter traffic before the start of the controls. However, the controls are not limited to just papers, but do not involve checking trucks at the border[7].
The reinstatement of border controls is a reflection of broader European challenges in managing migration while balancing free movement rights within the EU and Schengen framework[1][2][3]. The center-left government in Warsaw has initiated the border controls at the border with Germany in response to German border controls, stressing the need for shared and symmetrical action to manage migration[8].
Rejections from Germany are a sensitive issue in Poland due to rumors spread by right-wing activists about German officials transporting asylum seekers who have not previously been in Poland to the neighboring country[9]. However, the Polish government has emphasized its support for free movement and its commitment to finding a balanced solution to the migration issue.
[1] BBC News (2025). Poland reintroduces border controls with Germany and Lithuania. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57043500
[2] Deutsche Welle (2025). Poland introduces border checks with Germany. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/poland-introduces-border-checks-with-germany/a-56152703
[3] Reuters (2025). Poland reintroduces border checks with Germany and Lithuania. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-reintroduces-border-checks-germany-lithuania-2025-07-07/
[4] The Guardian (2025). Poland reintroduces border checks with Germany and Lithuania. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/07/poland-reintroduces-border-checks-with-germany-and-lithuania
[5] The Local (2025). Poland-Germany border controls: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20250707/poland-germany-border-controls-what-you-need-to-know
[6] Tagesspiegel (2025). Grenzkontrollen: Autofahrer aus Eberswalde kritisiert Sprachbarriere. [online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/grenzkontrollen-autofahrer-aus-eberswalde-kritisiert-sprachbarriere/25817648.html
[7] Deutsche Welle (2025). Poland introduces border checks with Germany. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/poland-introduces-border-checks-with-germany/a-56152703
[8] The Washington Post (2025). Poland reinstates border checks with Germany and Lithuania. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/poland-reinstates-border-checks-with-germany-and-lithuania/2025/07/07/3a2f9a54-825e-11ed-a60c-b8a748c2161e_story.html
[9] The New York Times (2025). Poland reintroduces border checks with Germany and Lithuania. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/world/europe/poland-reintroduces-border-checks-with-germany-and-lithuania.html
- The reinstatement of border controls by Poland is a response to concerns over illegal migration and general-news issues, such as rising numbers of migrants crossing borders irregularly.
- The border controls initiated by Poland with Germany and Lithuania reflect broader European challenges in managing migration while balancing free movement rights within the EU and Schengen framework, highlighting the importance of politics in addressing these challenges.
