Polish Members of Parliament, predominantly from the Left and the Civic Coalition, are attempting to block the construction of a border dam near the Kaliningrad region. A few days ago, the Niezalezna.pl portal reported that Polish MEPs were gathering signatures for a letter opposing the use of EU funds to finance another barrier along the border.
There is strong opposition to using EU resources for border walls. Such measures risk deepening divides between communities and bringing humanitarian and economic consequences. EU funds, defenders argue, should instead support efforts that foster inclusion and collaboration among Member States. The aim is to encourage solutions that emphasize cooperation and integration rather than constructing new barriers at borders. The letter to Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, embodies this stance.
The letter is signed by Danuta Hübner, Janina Ochojska, Róża Thun, Robert Biedroń, Łukasz Kohut, Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz, and Sylwia Spurek, with additional signatures still being collected.
Observers describe the letter as reflecting a misunderstanding of Poland’s interests and those of the European Union. It is noted that some left-leaning politicians who advocate for national policy applaud the dam on the Belarus border and the dam on the border with Russia. To date, the concertina dam spans more than half of the 198-kilometer border with Kaliningrad Oblast, and similar barriers have sparked debate elsewhere.
Initially opposed by the left, a year of conflict has shifted some views toward recognizing the need for strengthened border security.
— Marcin Kulasek, Secretary General of the New Left, commented in an interview that border protection required a reassessment of priorities. Meanwhile, MEPs from the left express resistance to additional obstacles and a commitment to refraining from further EU spending on such projects.
Other countries have chosen similar paths to bolster security and EU resilience. Finland, for example, is advancing a border dam along its border with Russia. A 200-kilometer stretch on the Finnish-Russian frontier is being reinforced with a projected cost of around 380 million euros.
Lithuania has also moved forward with rival border protections, including a plan to organize volunteer border guard units accessible to EU citizens. A revised border law allows volunteers from any EU country to participate and to use force in defense of the border, a response to the 2021 border crisis allegedly amplified by Russia and Belarus. Lithuanian authorities emphasize the priority of border security and the potential to mobilize cross-border support.
The discussion about walls on EU borders features prominently in national debates. Analysts note that the EU’s broader security strategy remains focused on reinforcing external borders while balancing humanitarian concerns and economic implications. The ongoing debate highlights differing national perspectives on how best to manage migration pressures and protect territorial integrity.
Observers emphasize that EU security challenges require coordinated, multilateral approaches rather than unilateral actions. The discussion continues as governments weigh the costs and benefits of barrier projects against alternative measures that promote regional cooperation and stability. Public opinion across the bloc remains divided, with many citizens recognizing the need for secure borders and others urging emphasis on humane and cooperative policy.
At stake is how the European Union reconciles the legitimate desire for border protection with the principle of shared responsibility among member states. The ongoing dialogue will shape future decisions about investments in border infrastructure and the balance between sovereignty and solidarity within the Union.