IHK Neubrandenburg: Calm about new border controls with Poland!

IHK Neubrandenburg: Calm about new border controls with Poland!

In the ongoing discussion about temporary border controls on the German-Polish border, the Neubrandenburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) wanted to calm people down a bit. General Manager Torsten Haasch recommends calmness and emphasizes that the controls will only have a minor impact on people's everyday lives. “We do not expect a return to fixed borders or customs barriers,” Haasch told NDR.

Haasch points out that the upcoming controls from July 7, 2025 by Poland are a reaction to the random controls introduced by Germany in October 2023. People in this country are sensitive to the close economic ties with Poland. Foreign trade between Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Poland last year amounted to an impressive 1.58 billion euros, with imports at around 917.7 million euros being slightly higher than exports at 662.24 million euros.

Border controls in the context of migration

The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has announced the introduction of controls to limit the “uncontrolled flow of migrants”. Tusk makes it clear that this measure does not come out of nowhere, but should be seen as a response to the German controls. Already in March he informed the German side that they were ready to intensify checks at the border, including at the border with Lithuania.

The issue of migration is very important for both Tusk and German politics. CDU leader Friedrich Merz says 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, such as from SPD politician Sonja Eichwede, who fears that the Polish controls could cause a setback for the free movement of people and goods in Europe. Knut Abraham (CDU) is already warning of the dangers of permanent border controls between the two countries, which would severely restrict citizens' mobility.

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 would like to see a harmonious approach between Germany and Poland so as not to endanger economic exchange. The IHK Neubrandenburg shows understanding for the need for temporary controls, but warns that no artificial barriers should be created between the states. Haasch emphasizes that this cannot be about endangering economic exchange.

Overall, developments on the German-Polish border remain exciting. While the IHK remains confident, questions arise about the trade relationship and the mobility of citizens. Whether the required controls achieve the desired goal will become clear in the coming weeks. What is clear, however, is that the political discussion about migration and border controls will not stop so quickly, both in Germany and in Poland, as the reporting by Tagesschau makes clear.