Possible extension of controls at the border with Germany

On 13 August, a meeting was held in Görlitz with Nancy Faeser, Minister of the Interior of Germany, which was also attended by representatives of the Polish Border Guard. The topic of discussion was, among other things, cooperation to combat cross-border crime and closely related border controls.

The Minister mentioned the possibility of extending border controls due to their high effectiveness in reducing illegal immigration and criminal activity. They were originally scheduled to end by 15 December this year, but in light of the benefits they bring, they may continue until the implementation of the reform of the European asylum system.

However, this is not good news for everyone. The plans have drawn criticism from members of the Green party, who see the burdens on the people living in the border regions as following. The extension of the controls, which have already been in place since last year, means that free passage across the border will be further impeded, which could also have a knock-on effect on the economy.

According to analyses carried out by Eurostat (the statistical office of the European Union), the border between Poland and Germany is in fact the second most intensively used for intra-Community road transport.

Author: Szymon Kamiński
Image rights: picture alliance/dpa | Patrick Pleul