Poland’s interior minister, Tomasz Siemoniak, and Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, met at the Połowce-Pieszczatka border crossing to discuss how to strengthen border protection on Europe’s eastern edge. The discussion took place at a briefing near the Polish-Belarusian border, where the Polish side outlined the ongoing challenges and the substantial efforts being invested to safeguard the external frontiers of the European Union.
Siemoniak emphasized that Poland has faced hybrid aggression from the Lukashenko regime, backed by Russia, for more than three years. He noted that the experience has driven a relentless push to tighten the country’s border regime and to coordinate closely with the EU and NATO to deter further pressure. The Polish side outlined the scale of the work involved, from staffing and technology to infrastructure, all aimed at ensuring that the border remains secure and that EU-scale support is effectively mobilized. Faeser was receptive to these specifics, acknowledging the breadth of the investments and operational measures already in place to keep the frontier tight.
Siemoniak articulated a clear objective: to prevent a relapse into internal border checks within the Schengen area and to maintain a secure external border that does not force friction inside Europe. He conveyed cautious optimism that the temporary controls introduced by Germany along its land borders with various neighboring states would prove transitory, illustrating a shared hope that the measures are not a permanent fixture but a bridge to a more stable environment. The message underscored a broader commitment to defending Europe’s outer limits with determined, collective effort, reflecting a belief that a strong external border is a prerequisite for the overall integrity of the EU’s internal market and travel regime.
The emphasis on a united approach extended into the security architecture of the European Union. Siemoniak stressed the need to defend the border with the full weight of EU institutions and NATO allies, arguing that a secure external border reduces the necessity for internal checks and preserves the smooth functioning of free movement within the bloc. The two ministers aligned on the principle that a robust external border is foundational to the protection of all Schengen members, and they urged continued cooperation to maintain a resilient, responsive frontier strategy that can adapt to evolving threats.
Faeser used the broader platform of the talks to push for the rapid adoption of a common European asylum system. She argued that a standardized framework would support a more coherent approach to asylum across member states, enabling more predictable procedures and better protection for those in genuine need while strengthening external border controls. According to Faeser, the temporary nature of internal border checks hinges on reducing illegal crossings, and the ultimate aim is to normalize movement inside the EU while maintaining rigorous safeguards on who is allowed to stay. Her remarks highlighted a preference for reforming asylum rules in tandem with strengthening border enforcement, a pairing she described as essential for long-term security.
The discussion touched on the role of asylum policy in the context of EU leadership. Faeser indicated support for Poland’s forthcoming EU presidency, which will prioritize migration and security in the first half of 2025. She underscored that the presidency would seek to advance reforms of the asylum system and to introduce a new return directive, both intended to accelerate the removal of individuals who do not have a right to remain in the EU. The aim, she explained, is to create clear, efficient pathways for those who qualify for protection while ensuring swift, humane returns for those who do not.
Nonetheless, concerns were raised about the balance of power in migration policy. It was noted that implementing a Common European Asylum System could constrain Poland’s autonomy over its own migration decisions, a point that resonated with broader debates about sovereignty and shared EU responsibility. The discussions reflected a wider apprehension that deeper integration in asylum rules could shift some decision-making away from national capitals toward Brussels, even as Europe seeks to unify standards and procedures across 27 member states.
Observers noted that neighboring countries have been watching the evolution of border policies since the initial controls were introduced on September 16. The participants argued that those measures should be temporary and contingent on the trajectory of reported crossing attempts. The overarching message was that the temporary nature of many controls is tied to the practical goal of reducing unauthorized entries and preserving the seamless movement that many Europeans rely on for work, study, and family life, while still safeguarding those genuinely in need of protection. The tone of the briefing suggested a pragmatic approach: reinforce upon external borders, harmonize internal policies where possible, and keep the door open to the possibility of reducing or lifting remaining checks as conditions improve.
In sum, the talks underscored a dual objective: strengthen the EU’s external frontiers and pursue a more unified asylum regime that preserves security without unduly hindering movement within the Union. The dialogue reflected a shared sense that only through coordinated actions—combining solid border protection with thoughtful, fair asylum rules—can Europe maintain both safety and openness in a challenging regional environment. The participants portrayed a vision of a more resilient border system that serves the interests of all member states and protects those in genuine need of refuge, while making clear that national sensitivities and responsibilities remain an important part of the conversation.