Border Controls Begin 7 July

On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Minister Siemoniak participated in a briefing with the heads of the Border Guard, Polish Armed Forces, and Police. The meeting focused on the situation at Poland’s borders, resulting in a decision to temporarily restore border checks at the Polish–German and Polish–Lithuanian frontiers.

“We are reintroducing temporary controls at Poland’s borders with Germany and Lithuania. The decision was made today and will take effect on Monday, 7 July. Until then, the relevant services – especially the Border Guard – have been tasked with preparing the logistics of this operation,” announced PM Tusk before a Cabinet meeting.

The Ministry of the Interior and Administration is coordinating the effort and is preparing the relevant regulation at the request of the Border Guard.

Poland’s Decision Responds to German Border Actions

Germany reinstated its border controls on 16 October 2023, affecting borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Poland.

The primary justification was the migration route through Belarus and Poland into the EU. Despite Poland’s major success in sealing its eastern border, Germany continues to extend its controls – currently in effect until 15 September 2025.

“For about a month now, Germany has changed its approach at the Polish-German border. Unlike the past 10 years, they are effectively refusing entry to migrants – including those seeking asylum – who are traveling from various directions,” explained the Prime Minister, justifying Poland’s reciprocal decision.

The German government had been warned several times that Poland might introduce symmetrical border measures. PM Tusk discussed this with new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“We have been defenders of Schengen and continue to advocate for free, unrestricted movement in Europe – but that requires all neighbors to share the same, symmetrical approach. That is why we see this temporary reintroduction of border checks as necessary,” emphasized PM Tusk.

Authorities will aim to minimize the impact of controls on Polish citizens.

“Measures that could interfere with the daily transport of goods, commerce, or tourism should be reduced to an absolute minimum,” Tusk instructed the Border Guard.

Border Controls with Lithuania

The government’s responsible migration policy, reinforcement of the eastern border barrier, the creation of a buffer zone, and the temporary suspension of asylum rights have all contributed to the tightening of the Polish-Belarusian border.

“Let me remind you – there’s a 98% success rate in intercepting illegal crossings on the Belarusian border,” noted the Prime Minister.

Unfortunately, illegal migrants are now trying to enter Poland via Lithuania, prompting a decision to restore border checks there as well. Migrants apprehended by Polish authorities will be returned to Lithuania in line with existing regulations.

“We’ve invested immense effort, money, sweat – and unfortunately, even blood – to secure the Belarusian border. Since the Latvian and Lithuanian borders with Belarus are not as sealed, we must take decisive action,” explained PM Tusk.

Poland will urge Lithuania, Latvia, and other EU countries to step up cooperation in countering hostile actions on the eastern border and human trafficking.

Polish Borders Are Secure Thanks to Security Services

Improved security at Poland’s borders is due not only to government decisions but above all to the dedicated work of border officers, both at the Belarusian and German borders. Recently, the work of the Border Guard on the western border has been hampered by right-wing activists from the so-called Border Defense Movement. These actions have disrupted citizens’ sense of security, especially in border towns.

Supporting the Border Guard and other national security services should unite citizens and public figures across political lines.

“Let me be clear: it is disgraceful and scandalous for politicians – including the incoming president – to insult and distance themselves from state institutions such as the Border Guard, while posing as patrons of right-wing ‘activists’ who are disrupting the Guard’s work, even attacking its officers,” said the Prime Minister.

The Polish national interest requires politicians to support the Border Guard, whose officers risk their lives daily to protect our citizens, our border, and the territory of our country.