The Ministry of the Interior and Administration took a key decision on temporary checks at the borders of Poland. A period after their introduction, the fresh head of the ministry, Marcin Kierwiński, officially confirmed that the checks would be extended. This information has already been notified to the European Commission, which is simply a formal confirmation of the actions of the Polish government on the global stage. The decision is simply a direct consequence to the changing migratory situation and the expanding force on fresh sections of the European Union border.
The reason for maintaining increased action is above all the expanding number of attempts to illegally cross the border on fresh routes. According to service analyses, the advanced efficiency of the barrier at the border with Belarus forced human smugglers to search for alternate roads, mainly by Lithuania and further towards Germany. The authorities stress that the extension of controls is simply a preventive measurement aimed at ensuring the interior safety of the country and the Schengen area as a whole. These measures, although they may origin any difficulties, are carried out in the least burdensome way possible for citizens and freight traffic.
Why have border controls been extended? fresh threats on the horizon
The main reason behind the decision of the Polish government is dynamic change on irregular migration routes. Minister Marcin Kierwiński, after visiting the east border, clearly indicated that success in sealing the border with Belarus had an unintended effect – the transfer of migration force to another sections. The effectiveness of the dam, estimated to be 98%, forced criminal groups organizing the spread of people to search for new, little protected routes.
“I was on our east border yesterday. That's where we're trying to close the east way of illegal migration. We're very successful at that. This 98% seal of our dam causes Belarusian services, Russian services and illegal migration to decision to another sections. Hence, the decision" – said Minister Kierwiński in an authoritative communication. This means that the threat did not disappear, but simply changed its form and geography. alternatively of direct force on the Polish-Belarusian border, the services observe an increased movement on the border with Lithuania and attempts to transit through Poland towards Germany.
The decision to extend the controls, originally introduced on 7 July, was taken after extended consultations with representatives of Border Guards, police, troops and provincials from border regions. The intelligence analysis clearly indicated that without increased vigilance, Poland could become the main transit corridor for irregular migrants heading west of Europe.
By what time will the controls take place? Key date and authoritative message of the Ministry of abroad Affairs
Drivers, travellers and entrepreneurs must prepare for a longer period of control. In accordance with an authoritative regulation issued by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, temporary border checks with Germany and Lithuania were extended until 4 October. This peculiar date was given publically by Minister Marcin Kierwiński during a Sunday briefing with the services and voivodes.
The Ministry of abroad Affairs emphasises that checks will be carried out in a random and flexible manner. This means that not all pass and not around the clock will have regular patrols. Actions are to be concentrated in places and times where the hazard of illegal border crossing is greatest, based on ongoing analyses. The aim is to minimise nuisance for legal border traffic. Nevertheless, people crossing the border must be able to hold for inspection and should carry with them crucial identity papers – ID card or passport.
The extension of checks has been formally notified to the European Commission, in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code procedures. Poland argues that this is simply a measurement essential to defend public order and interior safety in the face of a serious threat. This Decision is in accordance with Union law, which allows temporary reintroduction of interior border controls in exceptional situations.
International cooperation is the key to success. Poland does not act alone
Polish actions are not isolated. As the management of the Ministry of abroad Affairs emphasises, the decision to extend the control was taken in close coordination with global partners. Minister Kierwiński spoke personally to the Minister of the Interior of Lithuania, and the applicable letters informing about the planned steps were besides addressed to the Latvian and Estonian authorities. Neighbors' reaction was full of understanding.
"We have informed all our partners. [...] There is full knowing for our decision due to the fact that it besides works in the interests of the safety of our neighbours," said the head of the Ministry of Interior. Deputy Minister Maciej Duszczyk added that Polish actions met with a fast reaction of partners. "We see mobilisation on the Lithuanian and Latvian sides. This allowed them to shift their forces, and for us to implement controls effectively," he said.
Deputy Minister Duszczyk besides pointed out the exceptional nature of the current crisis. "This is not a standard migration crisis. This is simply a threat posed by countries hostile to the European Union" He said. This assessment is crucial for knowing the determination of Polish authorities. Therefore, Poland, in cooperation with the European Commission, is mobilising additional funds to strengthen not only the Polish-Belarusian border, but besides the borders of Latvia and Lithuania with Belarus. This shows that the problem is seen as a common challenge for the full region and the European Union.
What does this mean for drivers and residents? The applicable Effects of Government Decisions
The extension of border controls until 4 October has a direct effect on the regular life of residents of the border area and on the activity of transport companies. Despite the government's assurances that the controls will be as burdensome as possible, travellers must be prepared for possible slowing down of traffic and queues at border crossings, especially on popular routes towards Germany.
For drivers the most crucial information is the request to carry valid identity document (personal proof or passport). The checks are random, which means that not all vehicle will be retained, but Border defender officers have the right to check each individual and vehicle crossing the border. In practice, this may mean an additional twelve minutes or, in the event of increased traffic, even a longer waiting time for passages.
From the position of entrepreneurs, especially in the logistics and transport industries, extended controls can make additional costs and delays. Although the Ministry of abroad Affairs declares that the aim is not to impede business activity, companies engaged in intensive trade with Germany or Lithuania should take into account possible delays in their transportation schedules. It is worth keeping an eye on the Border Guard's messages about the situation in the individual passages, in order to avoid major congestion as far as possible.
In conclusion, the decision to keep control is guided by national safety considerations. Although there are any inconveniences behind it, it is seen by the government as a essential measurement to manage the migration crisis, which has taken a fresh form. It will now be crucial to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the economy and life of the inhabitants.
More here:
The government has decided on borders. Checks stay longer, we know a circumstantial date!
