Forty years after the establishment of the Schengen area, some European countries are re-imposing border controls to curb illegal migration; however, experts say that this will have no long-term effect.
On the 7th of July, Poland temporarily re-imposed border controls with Germany and Lithuania. In Suwalki, Lithuanian citizens go about their daily lives, and say that border checks have not significantly affected their daily lives, and say that waiting in line is not scary – they have seen much longer lines.
At one of the three border checkpoints with permanent controls, in Budzisko, the lines for cars are slightly longer than on the first day of control. At ten other border crossing points, travelers are being asked randomly to show their documents and open their car trunks.
A large majority of Lithuanians surveyed in Suwalki say that they understand Poland’s position. The family from Mariampole said that every country has the right to protect its interests, and “no one wants illegal immigrants.” LRT correspondent Laurynas Vaičiūnas reported that Polish residents also support the reinstated border controls.
However,
concerns are being raised about the self-proclaimed “citizen patrols” of the far-right along the German border.
These are groups that, bypassing the authorities, have undertaken to “control migrants.” Vaičiūnas said that there are growing concerns about the uncontrolled activities of these groups, which pose risks to both Poland’s internal security and may aggravate relations with other European Union countries. The Polish government has pledged to stop the “citizen patrols” by force if necessary.
Border controls are nothing new in Germany. LRT correspondent in Germany Mindaugas Savickas explained that Germany resumed border controls two years ago and extended them in May this year. He noted that in Germany, too, the public is largely understanding, and currently anyone without valid documents is not allowed into the country; previously this was done only in exceptional cases.
The resumption of border controls was preceded by a meeting of the Polish and German interior ministers, who stressed that this was not a politically motivated decision. Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said that the main reason is illegal migration and the measure is not directed against Lithuanian citizens – they are always welcome in Poland.
The minister confirmed that border checks would continue after the 5th of August
unless Germany lifted border controls.
Andžejus Pukšto, a political scientist and associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University, doubted that border controls in the Schengen area could solve a much deeper problem. He noted that “pneumonia is not treated with compresses” and that a unified EU approach is needed, primarily strengthening external borders and defending the unity of the Schengen area. The researcher added that the EU is likely moving towards a new “iron curtain” with Russia and Belarus.
Read full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2606785/poland-s-fight-against-irregular-migration-will-border-checks-work
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