Polish Public Backs Border Controls Amid Ongoing Migration Debates

A recent survey conducted by SW Research on behalf of Rzeczpospolita reveals that 62 percent of Polish respondents are in favor of reintroducing border controls within the European Union to address irregular migration. In contrast, 23 percent oppose the idea, while 15 percent remain undecided. The survey posed the question, “Do you believe that the European Union should reintroduce border controls between countries in the Schengen Area to curb the flow of migrants?”

The findings indicate that nearly two-thirds of Poles support the reinstatement of border controls as a response to ongoing discussions regarding the tightening of immigration rules, particularly in neighboring Germany. The German parliament recently rejected a conservative-backed immigration bill supported by the far-right AfD, which aimed to pass laws that would introduce stricter immigration measures. German authorities have also signaled plans to implement permanent border controls, although Polish officials have criticized such actions.

Several Schengen countries have already reintroduced border controls to enhance national security and combat irregular migration, with the latest countries to inform the EU about their decisions being Bulgaria, Slovenia, Malta, Italy, and Hungary.

In October 2024, following Germany's reintroduction of border controls, Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radoslaw Sikorski, labeled the move a mistake, emphasizing Poland's disagreement with Germany. “The introduction of control is a mistake since the actual place of control over the influx of illegal migrants both to Poland and to Germany is the external border of the Schengen area,” Sikorski stated.

Poland is also opposed to the EU migration pact, particularly regarding provisions that would lead to the relocation of migrants to Poland. The EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to enhance security and prevent irregular migration into the EU, establishing a framework for solidarity among member states concerning asylum seekers.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted, “Poland will not implement any migration pact or any provision of such projects that would lead to Poland’s forced acceptance of migrants. This is definitive.” He further argued that allowing such relocations would undermine the efforts of Polish police officers, soldiers, and border guards, who risk their lives to ensure Poland remains one of the safest places in Europe while preventing irregular migration.

By fLEXI tEAM