Originally set to end on August 5, the controls have been extended until October 4, as confirmed by Poland’s Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński on Sunday to the Polish news agency PAP.
Kierwiński explained that the decision was made on Friday during a meeting with regional authorities regarding illegal migration. The corresponding regulation has been officially submitted to the European Commission for notification. Neighboring countries affected by the measure — particularly Germany and Lithuania — have also been informed.
“Our European partners fully understand this step,” said the minister. He added that a decision on any further extension would be made in September, based on the latest data from border guards, the military, and the police.
Background: Illegal Migration and Security Concerns
Poland introduced the temporary border checks on July 7, in response to Germany’s random border checks that have been in place since October 2023. Since May, the German federal government, under Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (Christian Social Union), has intensified these measures — including the ability to turn back asylum seekers directly at the border.
Poland’s interior minister defended the extension, citing the “98 percent coverage” currently achieved in border surveillance. This has reportedly forced both illegal migrants and Belarusian and Russian intelligence agents to seek alternative routes through other countries. “This measure is well justified,” Kierwiński said.
German Interior Minister Dobrindt had already welcomed Poland’s original decision, calling it “an important step in the joint effort against illegal migration.” A spokesperson for Germany’s Interior Ministry reiterated this stance when asked by Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).
Interim Results of Border Controls
According to an interim report from Poland’s Interior Ministry published on Sunday, between July 7 and July 30, Polish border guards checked 243,683 people and 110,212 vehicles at border crossings with Germany. In 105 cases, individuals were denied entry into Poland.
During the same period, Poland accepted 72 individuals who had been turned away by German authorities. In two cases, Poland refused to take back individuals. In return, Poland handed over six migrants to Germany.
Pressure from Right-Wing Groups
In recent weeks, the Polish government has also faced pressure from right-wing militia-style groups, which took it upon themselves to patrol the border in search of illegal migrants and to “monitor” state border guards. These groups accused Germany of deporting refugees who had never set foot in Poland.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has repeatedly stressed that the continuation or suspension of the border checks would depend on decisions made by the German government. A permanent lifting of the controls does not appear to be on the horizon.
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