Germany’s Commissioner for Poland, Knut Abraham (CDU), has cautioned against the establishment of permanent border controls between Germany and Poland. In an interview with “Welt” Abraham stated that the current controls were a necessary political signal indicating a shift in Germany’s migration policy. However, he acknowledged the significant strain these controls are placing on communities in the border regions. Abraham argued that a sustainable solution cannot involve a back-and-forth movement of migrants between the two countries or the entrenchment of border controls on either side.
Abraham proposed a two-step approach. Firstly, he emphasized the need to improve practical arrangements in the German-Polish border region, including expanding commuter routes to alleviate severe traffic congestion. Secondly, he stressed the importance of joint efforts by Poland and Germany to implement the Common European Asylum System, arguing that both nations would benefit from its success. He believes that effective management of migration at the external EU border would prevent the issue from escalating at the German-Polish frontier.
Meanwhile, Anton Hofreiter (Greens), chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, placed blame on the German government for Poland’s announced border controls. Speaking to “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” Hofreiter characterized the controls as a dangerous and anti-European act. He asserted that the controls are a waste of resources and do not enhance EU security. Hofreiter warned that a border “arms race” within the Schengen area is detrimental to the German economy and diverts security personnel from where they are most needed.
Hofreiter advocated for a different approach, emphasizing the importance of a fair distribution of refugees, legal pathways for migration and well-equipped sea rescue operations as the true measures for ensuring European security.