Hardly any infrastructure available: Poland wants "technical ways" for border controls

As of yesterday, stricter controls have been in place at Germany's borders, as ordered by the new Federal Minister of the Interior. This is causing skepticism, especially in Poland. Foreign Minister Sikorski calls it a "great inconvenience" for the population.

In light of the tighter controls at the German borders ordered by the new German government, Poland has warned of disruption to border traffic. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said he understands German policy on the "hot topic" of migration after the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw. However, he demanded that "technical ways" be found "to minimize the inconvenience for local residents."

"The existence of a seamless border has become a matter of course for people on both sides of the German-Polish border," Sikorski argued. There is hardly any infrastructure for border controls, he said. The controls on the main roads are associated with "great inconveniences" for the local people. Sikorski cited the Polish border with Belarus as an example.

The new Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, announced tighter border controls as one of his first official acts to reduce the number of refugees. To this end, more federal police officers are to be stationed at Germany's borders and asylum seekers are to be turned away from Germany from now on. A contrary directive from 2015 has been withdrawn. Government sources referred to Article 18 of the Asylum Act, which states: "Foreigners shall be refused entry if they enter from a safe third country."

Wadephul tries to smooth things over

The German plans have caused particular discontent in neighboring Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. Criticism also came from Switzerland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk argued at a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday that it was in the interest of Germany and Poland to maintain "free passage" between the countries. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger pointed out in Warsaw that European law must be observed when it comes to border controls.

After talks with Sikorski, the new German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, assured that Germany would not impose a tightening of its migration policy against the wishes of its neighboring country, Poland. Germany would proceed "step by step," the CDU politician told Deutschlandfunk radio. The steps would be taken "consciously and carefully" and "always in coordination with European friends and colleagues."