Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the government had decided to reintroduce controls at both borders. According to official statements, the new regulations will come into effect on 7 July and are aimed at limiting irregular migration. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration is preparing the necessary legislation.
“The decision was made today. It is irrevocable, regardless of how much emotion it may stir in other capitals. This is about effective action by the Polish state,” said Donald Tusk on Tuesday.
The measure is a direct response to changes in border management on the German side and to increasing migratory pressure from the Baltic region. As the Prime Minister explained, Germany has for some time refused to accept migrants seeking asylum, prompting Poland to strengthen its own checks.
Two directions, one issue
The reinstated controls will apply both to Poland’s western border with Germany and its north-eastern border with Lithuania. In the case of Lithuania, the decision is closely tied to the situation at the Belarusian border. While Poland has reinforced its eastern frontier, the Prime Minister emphasised that migration routes have shifted to Lithuania and Latvia, from where individuals are attempting to enter Poland and then travel further west.
In response, Lithuania is also tightening its border controls and deploying officers to its boundary with Latvia. Both countries are coordinating efforts with Poland to limit what is known as “secondary migration” within the EU. Talks with other countries in the region are ongoing.
Transport sector bracing for disruption
For the transport and forwarding industries, the reintroduction of border controls presents a significant risk of disruption. Until now, queues of lorries heading into Germany were a common occurrence. Delays are now expected in the opposite direction too, with vehicles returning to Poland facing checks. This is likely to lead to longer driver hours, strain on supply chains, and potential congestion at key border crossings.
With Poland serving as a major transit country for goods moving across Europe, the changes could have ripple effects on international freight logistics.
Although the government has stated that it aims to minimise the negative impact on citizens and businesses, the transport sector is already preparing for additional burdens.
“I hope that our decision is temporary and will not be long-term,” the Prime Minister added.
