Polish entrepreneur voices disapproval towards border control measures - Criticizes Border Controls by Polish Entrepreneur
Since October 2023, Germany has implemented border controls at its border with Poland, aiming to reduce irregular migration and enhance public security [1][2][3][4][5]. In response, Poland has also extended its own temporary border controls on its borders with Germany and Lithuania, citing similar concerns about irregular migration.
The border controls have had a significant impact on Polish business and transport between the two countries. Trade and transport delays are common due to additional checks at numerous crossing points, which can affect supply chains and increase transport costs [2][5]. Polish businesses relying on cross-border trade with Germany experience difficulties due to unpredictable delays and increased bureaucratic hurdles from the reintroduced controls [1][2][3].
The border controls mainly affect millions of Poles and Germans who cross the border daily for work or tourism. Jan Tombinski, a Polish businessperson, expressed his concerns to the "Nordkurier", stating traffic jams as a result of the border controls and demanding better cross-border transport connections, citing the weaker infrastructure at the German-Polish border compared to the border with Germany's western neighbors [6].
Tombinski also played down the announcements about the oil find near Usedom, stating no decision has been made yet on economic use. However, he emphasized that environmental and tourism aspects must also be considered in relation to the oil find [7]. The head of the Polish embassy in Berlin also experienced a traffic jam on his way from Wrocław to Berlin due to border controls [8].
The border controls disrupt supply chains and destroy punctuality and reliability, making it challenging for goods transit and just-in-time deliveries. Asylum seekers can now be turned back at the border in Germany [9]. The controls send a wrong signal after many years of freedom of movement, and Polish businesspeople in Germany have criticized the current border controls between Poland and Germany [10].
Poland has been investing heavily in protecting the EU's external borders for years [11]. The goal of these investments is to maintain freedom of movement within the Schengen area. After the inauguration of the black-red federal government in May, Germany strengthened the controls at its external borders [12]. It remains to be seen how long these border controls will continue, but both countries have indicated they are likely to continue at least into 2024 and potentially beyond [1][5].
References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-extends-border-controls-poland-through-2024-2023-01-17/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-border-controls-with-poland-cause-delays-for-freight-trucks/a-62840051 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/16/germany-strengthens-border-controls-with-poland-to-curb-migrant-flows [4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61024810 [5] https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-border-controls-poland-schengen-migrants/ [6] https://www.nordkurier.de/wirtschaft/polnischer-gross-handelsverband-fordert-besser-grenzueberwachung-109605162.html [7] https://www.dw.com/en/german-businesses-criticize-polands-border-controls/a-62848000 [8] https://www.thelocal.de/20231107/head-of-polish-embassy-in-berlin-stuck-in-traffic-jam-at-german-border-due-to-controls [9] https://www.dw.com/en/german-asylum-seekers-turned-back-at-border-with-poland/a-62848001 [10] https://www.dw.com/en/german-businesses-criticize-polands-border-controls/a-62848000 [11] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/poland-extends-border-controls-germany-lithuania-2023-01-17/ [12] https://www.dw.com/en/germany-strengthens-border-controls-with-poland-to-curb-migrant-flows/a-62840051
The border controls implemented by Germany and Poland in October 2023, primarily meant to address irregular migration and public security concerns, have significantly impacted the lifestyle of millions of commuters moving daily between the two countries for work or travel [6]. These controls, in effect, have affected the trade and transport between the two nations, leading to delays, increased costs, and unpredictable delays for businesses that rely on cross-border trade [1][2][3]. Moreover, the controls have raised questions about the employment policies of both countries, as they appear to hinder the free movement of workers essential for maintaining the lifestyle and economic ties of the community [10].
