Poland introduces border controls: Does the Schengen system endanger their vacation?
Poland introduces border controls: Does the Schengen system endanger their vacation?
From July 7, 2025, Poland introduces temporary border controls at the borders to Germany and Lithuania. This announcement is made in response to the tightened German border controls and the strict asylum procedures that have been implemented in Germany since October 2023. In this context, Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that this measure is necessary to effectively limit the "uncontrolled stream of migrants". At the same time, the cross-border mobility rights are questioned in the Schengen area, as more and more EU countries begin to introduce and discuss temporary checks.
Germany has rejected asylum seekers on the border since the border controls were intensified. This rejection sharply criticizes Poland, especially with regard to the fates of people who have already entered German soil. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) confirmed that the migration question was a common problem and emphasized the importance of exchange with Poland in this sensitive area. This becomes particularly explosive, since the discussion within the EU is increasingly gaining urgency about a common migration policy. A total of 21 EU countries are currently discussing a tightening of the migration rules.
border controls in the Schengen area
The reintroduction of border controls is not isolated, but part of a larger trend. The Schengen area, which has stood for freedom of movement and travel for over 40 years, is recorded by the increase in border controls. Eleven of 29 Schengen countries are currently checking their limits, which is regarded by critics as a break of the Schengen spirit. Belgium in particular has also announced border controls, which further increases the fragmentation of freedom of travel in the Schengen area. This could also have an impact on Austria, which could be affected by shifted migration routes and means additional burdens for the authorities.
The discussion about migration runs through all current political debates in Europe. EU interior commissioner Magnus Brunner has made it clear that these controls must not be permanent and that the asylum and migration pact should be fully implemented by summer 2026 in order to better protect the external borders and optimize the processing of asylum applications. The EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also describes the status as a "intermediate phase" with still outdated asylum rules.
challenges and solutions
In the context of the EU, new instruments and agencies must be further developed. In 2015, increased migrant flows had led to an increase to up to 1.83 million illegal border crossings at the external borders, a number that was reduced to 200,000 by 2021. In order to meet these challenges, the Schengen Information System and the European Agency for the Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) were established, which should support the Member States in border management.
The erosion of the principle of freedom of movement in the Schengen area is now a serious problem that could result in both economic and political damage. EU MP Pascal Arimont warned that stricter controls could lead to a gradual loss of the European idea. Travelers in the Schengen area also have to adapt to higher waiting times at internal limits and should always carry valid ID documents.
Overall, the development on the European borders shows that the coordinated solution to migration remains essential for the EU. The political decisions in Poland, characterized by the pressure of the right -wing conservative opposition, will be crucial for the further course within the European Union.
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