Border controls in focus: Students suffer from the new reality

Border controls in focus: Students suffer from the new reality

In the past week, controls by Polish officials have increased at the German-Polish border. This not only impacts commuters, but also students who regularly cross the border. René Pachmann, university chaplain at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), is particularly affected by the situation because he often travels to Słubice. “The atmosphere in the twin cities is suffering enormously,” explains Pachmann, emphasizing that international students are having increasing difficulties getting to courses in Poland and Germany. Contact with friends and shopping in Poland are also heavily influenced by border controls. Some students avoid the neighboring city for fear of racist controls, which particularly affect people with dark skin or headscarves. Domradio reports.

The problem is not entirely new. In a joint statement, the city administrations of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice criticized the border policies of both countries. They emphasize that the reintroduction of controls will lead to long waiting times and significantly restrict the free movement of goods and people. These measures not only harm the local economy, but also increase social tensions and promote a culture of exclusion rather than integration. Particularly worrying is the warning about a Polish vigilante group that controls people and spreads false information under the pretext of security. The cities are calling on their citizens not to take part in hostilities against strangers. RBB24 reports.

Vulnerable groups affected

Another aspect is the existential problems of refugees seeking protection at the German-Polish border. These are often rejected, which is hardly anchored in the public consciousness. Students and citizens of the region must ask themselves how much human warmth remains in a Europe that is moving further and further away from its principles of openness. In fact, there is a worrying trend: Although border controls have been tightened in recent years, there is no real connection between stricter border controls and a decline in refugee migration. On the contrary, refugees are adapting flexibly to new conditions and migration routes are increasingly diversifying. The Integration media service has published interesting figures on this.

The current developments at the border raise many questions. While political decisions are often made from a perspective that prioritizes security and control, social cohesion in the region is put at risk. The call for de-escalation from the city administration is an important step to counteract the tense situation and build a bridge between cultures. The challenges can only be successfully overcome through joint dialogue and maintaining relationships. In view of the numerous difficult conditions that students and other people crossing borders are currently experiencing, openness to encounters and exchange is more necessary than ever.