Migration Crisis Sparks Border Controls: Poland Tightens Checks with Germany and Lithuania
In response to Berlin’s decision to send back illegal migrants, Warsaw imposes temporary checks across borders in the Schengen zone
Poland has officially reinstated border checks with Germany and Lithuania, citing what it calls an escalating migration crisis fueled by Berlin’s recent decision to return thousands of migrants who allegedly crossed into Germany illegally from Polish territory.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the move last week during a cabinet meeting, stating: “We’ve decided to temporarily restore border control along Poland’s borders with Germany and Lithuania.” The measure marks a significant shift for countries that are part of the Schengen Area, which normally allows free movement across internal EU borders.
Under Schengen rules, member states may impose temporary border checks in cases deemed “emergencies” or “last resorts,” such as security threats or public health crises. Similar exceptions were invoked during the COVID-19 pandemic. While such measures are meant to be short-term, they can be extended multiple times.
Since 2023, Germany has enforced border checks with Poland and the Czech Republic in response to rising illegal immigration, and last year expanded controls to all of its borders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a joint press conference with Luxembourg’s prime minister last week, acknowledged Poland’s expected response and said Berlin was prepared.
Poland has also extended border checks to Lithuania, citing the growing number of migrants crossing into Poland from Belarus via Lithuanian territory. Authorities confirmed that controls would be implemented at 13 locations, including three official border crossings and 10 ad-hoc checkpoints for local residents. On the German border, controls are being conducted at 52 sites.
Lithuania responded with a call for closer cooperation but said it would not introduce reciprocal controls along its border with Poland at this stage.
The move signals a deepening rift within the European Union over migration management, as frontline and transit countries struggle to balance humanitarian obligations, border security, and internal political pressures.