European unity at risk? Polish-German border becomes trap for migrants and business
Photo: border checks in Poland (Getty Images)
Poland is introducing new border rules that could significantly impact the daily lives of many. The move has already sparked concern and debate, as it will affect both ordinary citizens and businesses, according to Bloomberg.
Poland has begun conducting random checks at its borders with Germany and Lithuania. The move comes in response to Germany tightening its controls, which, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has created an "asymmetry" in the border regime between the two countries.
The new measures, currently set to last for 30 days, will apply to all types of transport and could affect around 150,000 Polish commuters who cross into Germany daily, many of them working at places like the Tesla factory near Berlin.
Checks have also been introduced on the Lithuanian border, which Polish authorities say has become a new entry route for migrants after Poland fortified its frontier with Belarus. Warsaw has announced it will return illegal migrants to Lithuania.
Political context
The issue of migration has become increasingly sensitive in Poland, particularly after nationalist Karol Nawrocki won the presidential election on June 1.
Poland’s decision is also seen as a response to stricter measures by Germany’s new government, which has stepped up passenger inspections along the border.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ruling coalition is facing criticism for continuing and intensifying temporary border controls initiated by the previous government. The opposition Greens have slammed these steps as a breach of EU rules and labeled them populist measures that harm bloc unity amid growing threats from Russia.
"Ever-tighter restrictions on the freedom of movement affect commuters in border regions as well as the cross-border movement of goods," Emmerich said. "This poses a concrete threat to Germany as a business location."
Germany’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also raised concerns, noting that if Polish workers can’t reach their jobs on time, they may seek alternative employment, worsening the labor shortage in border regions like Brandenburg.
A bus carrying 54 passengers, including Ukrainians, overturned near the town of Rebel in Germany and slid into a ditch.
