Longer waiting times on the Polish border: Border controls start now!

Longer waiting times on the Polish border: Border controls start now!

Since July 8, 2025, travelers at the border crossings to Germany have to expect tightened controls. Polish border protection authorities have strengthened the reviews of drivers and passers -by at all transitions. These measures are a reaction to the random checks on the German side that have been running since October 2023, which have been introduced due to the increased number of migration. [NDR] reports that the controls are initially limited until August 5, 2025.

At the border crossing on the left, almost all vehicles have already been checked, even if the official checks should only start on Monday. Control teams are also active at other transitions such as Ahlbeck, Garz, Pomelle and Rosow. The trail is narrowed on the federal road 104, which is known as M10 in Poland. Vehicles that stand out because of their tinted windows or as buses and minibuses are particularly the focus.

The effects of controls on border traffic

The new measures already have the first impact on the local economy. Dealers report a noticeable decline in sales because fewer customers travel from Germany. Especially for commuters who cross the border every day, the controls can prove to be a hindrance, even if the authorities emphasize that they should pass without major delays if possible. Polish border protection has also signaled that one would do without your own controls if Germany ends its measures earlier.

These developments are in the context of a broader discussion about border controls that have been introduced at various EU internal borders since 2015, including the German-Austrian border and since last year also at the borders to Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. [Europe-University] points out that the controls were considered in response to the concern about unauthorized migration by various European countries and raise both legal and economic questions.

migration and the political debate

In the current migration debate, the climate has intensified. According to reports, there were around 98,000 unauthorized entry to Germany by the beginning of October 2023. Compared to 92,000 in the previous year, these numbers illustrate the pressure on the authorities. The negative consequences of border controls, such as the rejection of people without valid documents, were emphasized in a short expertise that was recently presented at the Viadrina University. [Europe-Uni] quotes Dr. Marcus Engler, who indicates the increasing decline in asylum applications and criticizes the logic that more controls would justify a higher migration.

In addition, experts observe an increase in fears and uncertainties among the population, which are often reinforced by the political discussions. The challenge is to ensure security at the limits on the one hand and to protect travel freedom in the EU on the other. The debate is increasingly politicized, which makes the dialogue more difficult.

One thing is clear: The current situation at the borders to Germany is a hot topic that affects not only the travelers, but also the economy and the political landscape. While the controls by Polish border protection are temporary, it remains to be seen how these measures will affect the freedom of movement in Europe. [Spiegel] offers a comprehensive overview of the new border policy in the EU.