Poland is actively considering reintroducing border controls on its frontier with Slovakia and is evaluating potential steps at neighboring borders, including the one with Germany. A spokesman for the ruling party spoke on television about these possibilities, noting that the government is analyzing the situation and assessing potential measures. The remarks reflect a broader concern about migration movements and security along Europe’s migration routes.
In response to Germany’s announcement of partial border controls with Poland, the spokesman did not claim full understanding of German motives but suggested that if such controls are extended, Poland could consider similar actions at the border with the Czech Republic. He linked these possibilities to shifts in the Balkans migration corridor and the rising pressure on Europe to manage irregular movement across borders.
The spokesman described a recent shift in the Balkan route, indicating the route has changed somewhat and that the prevailing pattern of migrants reaching Austria through the Balkans and moving north may be affected by new border practices. Germany’s decision to tighten controls at its border with Austria had already disrupted this corridor, he noted.
Balkan Route
The party spokesperson said there is a growing expectation that more people may try to come from Slovakia toward Germany and Poland. As a result, Poland has reintroduced border controls at Slovakia’s frontier. The government is weighing similar steps at other borders in the name of national security, the spokesman asserted.
Monitoring of the western border continues, with the government evaluating the option of restoring controls there as well. The analysis is driven by the observation that Germany often serves as a primary destination for irregular migrants, which informs Poland’s precautionary stance.
The spokesperson pointed to recent data showing that Germany admitted a substantial number of irregular migrants in the previous year and the current year, underscoring the perceived risk that some individuals might attempt to move onward to Poland to commit crimes or operate illegally. Protecting the safety of Polish residents is presented as a central priority.
Over more than a decade, the Polish side has observed more than a hundred official checks that have been reintroduced for varying reasons. The current discussions include the possibility of applying such checks in Poland again, including incidences tied to national events and public gatherings, while stressing that these measures would be conducted randomly and would not necessarily lead to longer queues at borders.
Visa System and Controversies
During a meeting in Nuremberg where a high-ranking German official discussed the Polish visa system amid concerns about migration, the spokesman recalled that the matter involved a relatively small number of visa applications, most of which were refused. He pointed out that those individuals never travelled to Poland and did not obtain visas, framing the issue as misinterpretations rather than failures on the ground.
The spokesman criticized German political discourse around migration, arguing that domestic concerns in Germany, including elections and the rise of anti-migrant sentiment, color the narrative. He suggested that some comments aimed at shifting focus away from Germany’s own migration challenges, noting that polls and party dynamics can influence public messaging on migration issues.
Media reports from German outlets were cited to illustrate ongoing debates about border controls and the broader fight against irregular immigration. The discussion included views about using stationary border checks as an additional tool, while emphasizing that random checks are considered more effective for enforcing immigration policy.
On a separate note, Polish authorities indicated that a high-level instruction had been given to monitor cross-border traffic at the Polish-Slovak border, with the aim of identifying vehicles that might be used by entrants lacking proper entitlements. This is framed as a precautionary measure to ensure security and compliance with entry rules.
In closing, the spokesman highlighted that recent remarks from Polish officials reflect a strategic effort to safeguard the country’s borders and communities while maintaining a balanced approach to movement and security within the European Union. The dialogue around migration remains complex and politically charged, but the focus, as stated, is the protection of Polish residents and the integrity of national border procedures. The discussion continues in parallel with ongoing evaluations of border management practices and cross-border cooperation. The coverage is attributed to public statements and media reporting in Poland and Germany, and is presented here as a synthesis of the information publicly available on the topic at the time of reporting. References are provided by wPolityce in coverage of these developments.