Poland will reintroduce temporary border checks with Germany and Lithuania starting Monday, July 7th, amid growing concerns over irregular migration and border security. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision, citing recommendations from Poland’s Border Guard and increased pressure along its eastern and western borders.
The measure responds to reports of migrants crossing into Poland through Lithuania and claims, still unverified, that German authorities have sent asylum seekers back into Polish territory. Tusk said the decision followed recent national security briefings, particularly regarding migration flows from Lithuania. He also confirmed that Germany had been informed about the possibility of reintroducing checks in cases deemed questionable by Polish officials.
The move places Poland among several Schengen Area countries that have reinstated internal border controls. Germany began tightening its own borders last year and expanded those efforts after Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May. Merz, who has championed stricter migration policy, dismissed Polish media claims of systematic migrant returns as false, but acknowledged the need for bilateral coordination, calling illegal crossings a shared challenge.
Lithuania confirmed receipt of Poland’s notice and expressed readiness to cooperate. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys underscored the balance between securing the EU’s external border and upholding the principle of free movement.
Under EU law, Schengen states can temporarily reintroduce border controls in response to serious internal threats. The European Commission stated it is in contact with the involved governments to ensure any actions remain targeted and proportionate.
