IHK Neubrandenburg: Serenity with new border controls to Poland!

IHK Neubrandenburg: Serenity with new border controls to Poland!

In the ongoing discussion about the temporary border controls on the German-Polish border, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Neubrandenburg wanted to calm the minds a little. General Managing Director Torsten Haasch recommends serenity and emphasizes that the controls in the everyday life of people will have little effect. "We do not expect a return to fixed borders or customs barriers," Haasch told [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/haff-mueritz/ihk-neubrandenburg-raet-raet-ben-belheit ,Mvregioneubrandenburg-266.html).

Haasch points out that the upcoming controls from July 7, 2025 are a reaction to the random checks introduced by Germany in October 2023. In Germany, it is sensitized with Poland due to the close economic interdependencies. The foreign trade between Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Poland was 1.58 billion euros last year, where imports at around 917.7 million euros were slightly higher than exports with 662.24 million euros.

border controls in the context of migration

The Polish government, headed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has announced the introduction of controls to limit the "uncontrolled stream of migrants". Tusk makes it clear that this measure does not come out of nowhere, but can be seen as an answer to the German controls. Already in March he informed the German side that you are ready to intensify the checks on the border, also at the border.

The topic of migration is very popular for both Tusk and German politics. CDU boss Friedrich Merz expresses that migration issues are a common problem and that Germany is working closely with Poland to combat illegal immigration. At the same time, however, there is also criticism, as from SPD politician Sonja Eichwede, who fears that the Polish controls could bring a setback for free passenger and goods traffic in Europe. Knut Abraham (CDU) warns of the dangers of permanent border controls between the two countries, which would significantly restrict the mobility of the citizens.

regional concern and understanding

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are different reactions to the upcoming controls. Heiko Mirass, State Secretary in Schwerin, expresses concern about the development and emphasizes the interests of the population in the region. He wants a harmonious approach between Germany and Poland in order not to endanger the economic exchange. The IHK Neubrandenburg shows understanding of the need for temporary controls, but warns that no artificial barriers should arise between the countries. Haasch underlines that this cannot be about jeopardizing economic exchange.

Overall, the development on the German-Polish border remains exciting. While the IHK remains confident, questions about the trade relationship and the mobility of the citizens arise. It will be shown in the coming weeks whether the required controls achieve the desired goal. However, it is clear that the political discussion about migration and border controls will not tear down so quickly, both in Germany and in Poland, as the reporting of Tagesschau makes clear.