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Border controls endanger Brandenburg's economy and Tesla location!
New border controls between Germany and Poland endanger the Tesla site in Grünheide and put a strain on the Brandenburg economy.
Border controls endanger Brandenburg's economy and Tesla location!
From Monday, July 7th, 2025, things will get serious again when crossing the border between Germany and Poland: Poland has introduced border controls, and that has caused a lot of upheaval in the Brandenburg economy. The Tesla location in Grünheide is particularly in focus, as numerous Polish employees have to commute to work every day. Tesla factory manager André Thierig is now raising his voice and calling for passes to protect these commuters from the new challenges. MMnews reports that the new controls are a direct response to Germany's 2023 border controls, which were intended to increase the migration of foreign citizens.
The economic consequences are already noticeable: the IHK Cottbus and Ostbrandenburg warn in a letter to the Federal Minister of the Interior of massive damage to around 80,000 companies in the region. Large and small companies, especially logistics companies, are under pressure. Long waiting times and traffic jams at border crossings could jeopardize the region's competitiveness. If employees cannot get to work on time, this has serious consequences for manufacturing companies. T Online highlights that around 11,500 people are currently employed in the Tesla Gigafactory, many of whom come from Poland and rely on smooth border traffic.
Measures and solutions
The IHKs are demanding immediate solutions from Minister Dobrindt and are proposing, among other things, the establishment of a “fast lane” at the A 12 and A 15 border crossings. This recommendation could enable commuters to cross the border more quickly and therefore arrive at work more punctually. It is also suggested that the Federal Police and the Polish Border Guard set up joint checkpoints in order to optimize processes. MAZ reiterates that Brandenburg's Economics Minister Daniel Keller is committed to a solution with free-flowing border traffic.
The situation could even lead to Polish employees looking for jobs in their home country in the medium term if the situation at the border crossings persists. There are warnings not only about a loss of workers, but also about the geopolitical tensions that these measures could create. Heavy traffic jams are already visible on the Polish side and there are fears that the situation could worsen further. The Brandenburg Chambers of Industry and Commerce are called upon more than ever to find suitable solutions before the economy seriously suffers.
In any case, Brandenburg's commuters are alarmed. Not only can they lose time in traffic jams every day; The uncertainty about future conditions is also troubling many. The need for quick and unbureaucratic solutions is seen as urgent by experts from the region in order to ensure the competitiveness of Brandenburg companies. It is hoped that talks will take place soon between the governments of both countries, because one thing is clear: in order to strengthen the region as a whole, a good hand is now needed.