Poland Considers Border Checks with Germany Amid Tensions

The news in Polish

1. rozważać
   zastanawiać się nad czymś, analizować coś przed podjęciem decyzji ↩︎
2. wprowadzenie  (n.)
   czynność lub proces zaczynania stosowania czegoś nowego ↩︎
3. ochrona  (f.)
   działanie mające na celu zabezpieczenie przed zagrożeniem lub niebezpieczeństwem ↩︎
4. zewnętrzny
   znajdujący się na zewnątrz lub dotyczący zewnętrznej części ↩︎
5. premier  (m.)
   osoba stojąca na czele rządu, prezes Rady Ministrów ↩︎
6. odpowiedzialność  (f.)
   stan bycia odpowiedzialnym za coś, konieczność troszczenia się o coś ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Who mentioned the importance of protecting the EU’s external borders?

Question 2: What might happen if the situation does not improve?

Vocabulary

Polish	English
rozważać	consider
wprowadzenie  (n.)	introduction
ochrona  (f.)	protection
zewnętrzny	external
premier  (m.)	prime minister
odpowiedzialność  (f.)	responsibility

Read the full story

The Polish government is contemplating the possibility of introducing border controls with Germany, citing heightened concerns about regional security and migration. Speaking at a European event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the freedom of movement, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak emphasised the importance of focusing on securing external borders of the European Union, particularly highlighting Poland’s efforts at its eastern frontier with Belarus.

Recent discussions between Polish officials and their German counterparts have revealed a complex scenario. German Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt, although absent from the Schengen meeting, was part of recent bilateral talks held in Warsaw. Siemoniak pointed out that several neighbouring countries have formed a unified stance against Germany’s current policies, which entail temporary internal border checks to curb the flow of migrants.

These internal checks, part of wider-ranging measures adopted by Germany along its borders with all nine neighbouring countries, have ignited concerns about the effectiveness and implications of such controls. Siemoniak asserted, “These internal checks yield little result, adding burdens to cross-border movement.” The sentiment of shared responsibility in handling migration and security issues was a significant theme during these discussions.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressing the Polish parliament, echoed these concerns, stating that should the pressure at the border persist, Poland might resort to imposing its own controls. “If the situation at the border does not change, I will consider implementing temporary checks on the Polish side,” Tusk remarked, indicating the potential for reciprocal actions.

In a move towards collaboration, Siemoniak has extended an invitation to Dobrindt to visit Poland’s border with Belarus, aiming to showcase the substantial efforts made by Poland in safeguarding its frontier. This invitation reflects a desire to foster understanding and cooperative strategies amidst a backdrop of apprehensions surrounding migration flows.

The ongoing discussions reflect broader regional dynamics, particularly as a record number of 15 Schengen area countries have resorted to internal border controls. As Poland navigates its position in this complex geopolitical landscape, the emphasis remains on jointly resolving these challenges, underscored by the necessity of fortified external EU borders.

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