Poland has reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania, marking a significant shift in the region’s approach to free movement within the Schengen Area. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, comes amid growing concerns over illegal migration and follows similar measures introduced by Germany earlier this year. The new controls, which began overnight on Sunday, are set to last for an initial period of 30 days, although Polish authorities have not ruled out an extension.
According to the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, 52 checkpoints have been established along the German border and 13 along the Lithuanian border. The checks are being carried out by the Border Guard, supported by police and Territorial Defence Force soldiers.
Inspections are conducted randomly, with a focus on vans, vehicles carrying multiple passengers, and cars with tinted windows. Officials have emphasised that these are not a return to pre-Schengen barriers; vehicles will pass through, and only selected cars will be stopped for document and boot checks.
The move is a response to what Polish authorities describe as a spike in irregular migration, with far-right groups in Poland alleging that Germany has been pushing migrants back into Polish territory after they reached Western Europe.
(With newswires)
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