Poland and Ukraine are working on an agreement extending common border and customs controls. According to the information disclosed on 29 September, the paper is intended to let Ukrainian officers to carry out certain activities in Poland. Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik protests. More efficient briefings are at stake, but besides the sovereignty and safety of the state.
The agreement is intended to extend joint control
Representatives of Poland and Ukraine discussed at the Ya hours-Dorohusk crossing an increase in the number of points where border guards and customs officers of both countries conduct checks in 1 place. Representatives of Polish interior and finance departments, Ukrainian border and customs services and administration of both countries participated in the talks. The Ukrainian delegation was chaired by the first Deputy Minister of Reconstruction, Infrastructure and Transport Serhij Derkacz.
As Ukriformin stated on September 26, citing Derkacz, there are presently 5 common control points on the border with Poland. Further extension of the strategy is to require an agreement establishing the legal basis for the work of Ukrainian services on the Polish side. The paper remains in preparation, and the publically available information does not yet specify a detailed directory of officers' powers.
It's a key reservation. A joint briefing may shorten queues and improve the transport of persons and goods, but logistical convenience does not replace state control over its own territory. Poles have the right to know the scope of planned activities, the principles of responsibility, the manner of supervision, the rules on access to data and the procedure for responding to infringements. Without these answers, there is no reason to give the government a blank of trust.
Zajączkowska-Hernik demands caution
The MEP of the Confederation Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik opposed the free operation of Ukrainian services in Poland. She pointed to the problem of corruption in Ukraine, the threat of Russian infiltration and the discrepancy between the interests of Warsaw and Kiev. Its assessments are political, but the question of protective mechanisms is full justified.
Poland cooperates with Ukraine against Russian threat and has an interest in the smooth functioning of the border. Allied cooperation, however, does not mean giving up on caution. She showed the case very clearly. refusal to enter Ukraine by Polish historian Michał Siekierkawhich, according to the disclosure, did not previously know the basis for the actual decision or had a real way of questioning it. Since the procedures of 1 country may affect the citizen of another, the agreement must clearly state the limits of competence and the appeal procedure.
At the same time, it must not be predicted that the task itself means giving the Polish border to abroad services. specified a conclusion would go beyond the facts disclosed. Nor is it allowed to be underestimated. It is the Polish authorities that must hold the authority, and any action taken in Poland should have a precise legal basis and be subject to effective supervision of the Republic.
Russian attacks force fresh procedures
The second subject of the talks was the principles of action during air alarms and Russian attacks close the crossing. The parties discussed the fast exchange of information, the evacuation of people, the temporary interruption of briefings and the smooth resuming of work after the threat ceased. Separate solutions are to cover the railway to defend passengers, cargo, crew and rolling stock without unnecessary paralysis of traffic.
It's not a theoretical threat. Russian strikes at the border have already forced the evacuation of Dorohusk and Hrubieszov district. Ministry of Interior and Administration reported on 22 September that six transitions in Lublin and Podkarpackie voivodships were put on advanced alert. The number of persons and vehicles at the same time at the crossing points has been reduced and refuge points have been designated.
Common procedures are needed in this area. Russia should not be able to paralyze an crucial logistics way with 1 attack or make chaos threatening people on both sides of the border. The fast exchange of information serves the safety of Poland. However, it must act according to the rules established by the Polish State.
The border is to be functional and to stay under Polish control
The government should present its essential provisions to the public before signing the agreement. The answer is what precisely the Ukrainian officers will be able to do in Poland, who will give them instructions, what data they will receive, who will analyse possible abuse, and whether the Polish citizen can effectively challenge their actions.
The stakes for Poland are specific. A more efficient border means shorter queues, more unchangeable transport and more opposition to Russian pressure. However, an ill-written agreement could undermine transparency of work and public assurance in the state. Cooperation is, but on Polish principles, under Polish supervision and without any doubt, who is liable for safety in the territory of the Republic.
Source: Ukriform, == sync, corrected by elderman ==, MSWIA
