Poland reinstates border controls amid immigration crisis
- Poland's government has reintroduced border checks with Germany and Lithuania to combat illegal migration.
- The controls will be enforced at 52 points on the German border and 13 on the Lithuanian border, initially for 30 days.
- This move indicates a strategic shift to bolster national security amid rising pressure from domestic far-right groups.
Poland has reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania effective Monday, July 7, 2025, triggered by rising concerns over illegal migration. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, implemented these measures after mounting pressure from far-right groups alleging that Germany was facilitating the transportation of migrants into Polish territory. The restrictions include checks at 52 crossing points along the German border and 13 points along the Lithuanian border, slated to last for at least 30 days. This move follows Germany's previous implementation of stricter controls at its own borders to tackle the influx of asylum-seekers. The border controls reflect a significant shift in Poland's immigration policy as the government seeks to balance its commitment to the Schengen agreement, which allows for free movement within the EU, with rising domestic pressures regarding migration. Since the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May 2025, he has enforced tougher immigration policies aimed at turning away asylum-seekers attempting to cross into Germany. Polish authorities echoed these concerns, with Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak emphasizing that illegal migration is a crime that requires stringent enforcement. The reintroduction of border checks has unleashed a wave of criticisms and concerns regarding the potential strain on both migratory populations and the Schengen area's principles. The situation has sparked fears of creating a ping-pong effect, where migrants are turned back and forth between Germany and Poland without a stable resolution. Police unions and various civil organizations have raised alarms about the escalation of tensions at the border and how these checks might disrupt day-to-day life for citizens of both nations. Furthermore, the Polish government has expressed dissatisfaction with citizen-led patrols that have emerged to pressure officials into enhancing border security. The rise of vigilante groups has prompted government officials to reaffirm their commitment to regulated border controls, stating that such actions by civilians can obscure the responsibilities of the national border police. As the EU grapples with internal migration issues, Poland's strategy could set a precedent for other member states facing similar challenges, leading to a reevaluation of the balance between national sovereignty and shared European commitments.