Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on July 1 that Poland will temporarily reintroduce border checks with Germany and Lithuania beginning July 7, citing national security concerns and increased migration pressures.

Tusk’s decision comes as EU nations grapple with rising migration flows and regional instability. While no specific incident was cited, Polish authorities have repeatedly expressed concern over illegal crossings, organized smuggling, and broader security threats originating from eastern borders, particularly Belarus.

“We are responding to real and growing risks,” Tusk said, referencing a broader regional strategy to tighten border security and reinforce state sovereignty. The controls are expected to include random checks of vehicles, identity verification, and increased patrols.

Echoes of Wider European Pattern

The move aligns Poland with a wider European trend. In recent years, several Schengen Area countries — including Germany, Austria, and Denmark — have reintroduced border controls citing terrorism, public health, or migration-related challenges. While the Schengen Agreement permits such measures under exceptional circumstances, repeated extensions have drawn criticism from EU institutions.

Brussels has not yet formally commented on Poland’s latest measure. However, similar past actions have typically triggered discussions around proportionality and the need to preserve free movement in the EU.

Political and Strategic Calculations

The announcement also comes amid Poland’s assertive security posture in the face of Russian aggression and hybrid threats. Border zones with Belarus have already been militarized following migrant surges and security incidents allegedly instigated by Minsk.

Introducing controls with Germany and Lithuania — both NATO allies — signals a broader recalibration of Warsaw’s internal and external security priorities. No end date for the controls has been provided.