Poland reinstates border controls with Germany, Lithuania amid migration dispute

Poland has reinstated temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania, effective Monday, July 7, 2025.

This move, echoing earlier restrictions by Germany aimed at curbing asylum-seekers, follows escalating pressure from far-right groups in Poland who allege that Germany has been transporting migrants into Polish territory.

The reintroduction of controls, announced last week by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, began overnight Sunday.

Initially set for 30 days, the measures could be extended, according to the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.

Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, speaking at a news conference on Sunday, emphasized the government’s stance, stating, “Illegal migration is simply a crime.”

The reinstated checks will affect 13 locations along the 104-kilometer (65-mile) border with Lithuania and 52 crossing points along the 467-kilometer (290-mile) border with Germany.

Lithuanian authorities have indicated their readiness for potential traffic disruptions, with Antanas Montvydas, deputy head of Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service, telling Lithuanian radio, “If traffic begins to build up, we will start managing the flow… to minimize disruptions and keep checks as brief as possible.”

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This development follows German Chancellor Friedrich Merz‘s actions to implement tougher migration policies since taking office in May.

Merz had previously ordered an increased police presence at the border and announced that some asylum-seekers attempting to enter Germany would be turned away.

Last week, Merz confirmed ongoing close contact between Poland and Germany to minimize the impact of Germany’s own border controls.

The reintroduction of these internal border checks represents a temporary suspension of the European Union’s Schengen Area agreement, which typically allows for visa-free travel among most member states.