We ensure that Poland’s interests and security form the foundation of EU policy. We show our partners the hard data and the success story of Kuźnica, which today stands as a symbol of complete control. We are maintaining full readiness of the Border Guard and the soldiers serving along this section of the border. I am pleased that today we were able to showcase not only the infrastructure protecting the border, but also materials documenting how the entire European Union has been tested and targeted by the Belarusian and Russian security services. What was a huge challenge for us for many months is now an example of effective border protection and a source of pride for Poland and the European Union as a whole,

- stressed the minister.

Success in figures: 100 per cent effectiveness at the border

The procedures implemented by Poland have had a spectacular effect. As of 31 May 2026, exactly zero successful illegal border crossings had been recorded. By way of comparison, 12,000 people crossed the border in 2023. Since the start of the year, only around 215 attempts to cross the border illegally have been recorded. This represents a more than 40-fold decrease compared with the same period in 2025, when every attempt was successfully thwarted.

Such excellent results are the outcome of decisive systemic measures. With effect from today, 3 June 2026, the Ministry of Interior and Administration is extending the buffer zone for a further three months. The temporary suspension of the right to asylum and the meticulous enforcement of the law also proved to be crucial, as evidenced by the 26 per cent increase in decisions ordering foreign nationals to return to their home countries.

A digital and military stronghold worth billions

Poland has built a modern, multi-layered security system along its border, in which nearly PLN 3 billion has already been invested. This sum covers the cost of the electronic barrier and the modernisation of the physical barrier. Since March 2026, security has been supported by a Polish anti-drone system capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles from several hundred kilometres away. Digital security is ensured by the Entry/Exit system, which operates at all 71 border crossings and has already collected biometric data from 2.65 million people.

People are the backbone of the system – a record number of nearly 17,000 border guards are currently on duty. The new modernisation programme for 2026–2029 will provide the Border Guard with a further PLN 2.8 billion, which will enable the creation of 3,000 new jobs and the purchase of helicopters and radar systems.

Poland: a leader and role model for the entire Europe

Poland is incurring enormous costs, but in doing so it is effectively protecting the entire European Union. Our firm stance has completely changed the EU debate on migration. The measures devised in Warsaw – including the suspension of the right to asylum – are already being implemented by other countries, such as Finland, Lithuania and Greece.

Poland’s diplomatic offensive continues. We are building a strong position for our country ahead of Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins in July, while ensuring that Poland’s interests and security remain an unshakeable foundation of the Community’s policy as a whole.

Minister Marcin Kierwiński thanked Jim O’Callaghan for his visit to the Polish-Belarusian border, which is also an external border of the European Union. 

Thank you for your declaration that the security of external borders and migration policy will be one of the priorities of the Irish Presidency. Although the situation at the border is stable at present, and not a single case of illegal crossing of the border protections was recorded in the first quarter of this year, we remain aware that migratory pressure may rise again. We’re ready for this,

- said the Polish Minister of Interior and Administration.

Joint action by Member States now requires full coordination. Migration and border security are among the most pressing challenges facing the Community as a whole today.