Poland shuts border to illegal migrants: extends controls on Lithuanian and German frontiers
Illustrative photo: Poland to extend border controls with Lithuania and Germany (Getty Images)
Poland has decided to extend border controls with Lithuania and Germany until October 4 due to the threat of illegal migration, according to PAP.
According to Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, Poland has informed Germany and Lithuania of its decision.
"Our European partners fully understand this, as these measures aim to close the migration route that has now reopened through Lithuania and Latvia," he said.
Kierwiński added that the control measures will remain in place until October 4.
"In September, we will decide on further steps based on data from the Border Guard, military, and police," he noted.
Background
Poland introduced temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7. The decision was made in response to threats related to illegal migration and was adopted independently of other countries’ reactions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a cabinet meeting that "the decision to temporarily reinstate border controls with Lithuania and Germany is final, regardless of the emotions prevailing in other capitals."
At the beginning of July, it was reported that Poland would restore controls on its borders with Germany and Lithuania to help curb illegal migration.
Earlier, Poland’s right-wing PiS party submitted a bill to the Sejm that proposes stricter rules for foreigners obtaining Polish citizenship. The reason cited was migration threats, including an increase in crimes involving foreigners.
