The meeting was attended by the Voivode of Podlasie Jacek Brzozowski, Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard Major General Robert Bagan, Commander of the Podlasie Branch of the Border Guard Brig. Gen. Slawomir Klekotka, and Director of the EC Representation in Poland Katarzyna Smyk.

At all times, 11,000 officers and soldiers are on their posts, defending the Polish and EU border with Belarus. Our state has so far spent 2.6 billion PLN to ensure the security of this border with physical and electronic measures. We have introduced a buffer zone and enacted new laws concerning the use of weapons. We have also enabled suspending the right to apply for asylum. All of this has been done so that citizens of Poland and EU can feel safe

said Minister Tomasz Siemoniak at a press conference at the road border crossing in Połowce.

The Minister of the Interior and Administration pointed out that the communication of the European Commission explicitly concerned the ‘weaponisation of migration’, namely using migration as a weapon. He also expressed gratitude for the support in the form of EU funds for border protection.

The European Commission has earmarked more than 50 million EUR to strengthen the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Russian borders. We very much appreciate the Commissioner's visit. We take this as a sign of respect and support for the thousands of Polish officers and soldiers who defend this border

he stated.

The Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak pointed out that the European Union must work on additional measures to improve security, highlighting the security strategy and the return directive.

We look forward to continued support. We will work hard throughout our presidency to find new tools, plans and funds to protect the borders of the European Union. We are working closely with our partners in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – countries facing similar issues

he said.

Commissioner Magnus Brunner: Poland is doing its job well

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner thanked the Polish side for the invitation. In his statement, he pointed out that the EU is grateful to Poland for protecting this particularly sensitive section of the border. The Commissioner noted with great satisfaction all the achievements of the Polish Presidency to date.

I would like to thank you for the excellent cooperation over the last couple of months. I greatly appreciate the efforts of Poland as part of the Presidency. Let us hope that this cooperation will continue after the Presidency ends. I appreciate being able to see the situation at the border with my own eyes. The motto of the Presidency: "Security, Europe!" is valid and well chosen

he said.

The Commissioner also mentioned the actions of Russia and Belarus and the behaviour of migrants trying to illegally cross the border, noting that this issue concerns not just Poland, but the European Union as a whole.

We need to reassure people that we are in control of our borders and those of the European Union. Thank you very much for all your support. Poland is doing its job well

he said reassuringly.

Talks in Warsaw

On Friday, 25 April, during a working breakfast with Commissioner Magnus Brunner and Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, which was also attended by Hans Leijtens, the Executive Director of the Frontex in Warsaw, Deputy Minister Maciej Duszczyk and Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard, Major General Robert Bagan, the attendees discussed the matter of protecting the Polish-Belarusian border in more detail. Minister Tomasz Siemoniak highlighted the scale of efforts and resources used by Poland to ensure effective border protection.

Possible scenarios for the development of the border situation and the further development of cooperation between Member States bordering Belarus and Russia were also discussed. The challenges and burdens borne by Member States offering extensive support to refugees from Ukraine, the need for a swift return to the seamless functioning of the Schengen area and cooperation with Poland in developing the capacity of the Frontex Agency were also addressed.

Migration pressure on the Polish-Belarusian border

More than 117,500 irregular border crossing attempts were recorded between 1 January 2021 and 22 April 2025.

Between 1 January and 22 April 2025, 5,639 such attempts were recorded. In the corresponding period of 2024, there were 8,066 attempts. This corresponds to a 30% decrease, which can be attributed to the establishment of the buffer zone and investments in upgrading the physical and electronic barrier as well as building new electronic barriers on the border rivers.