The European Commission informs about Poland’s closure of the border with Belarus: it is a matter of security

First and foremost, it is a matter of security – said the spokesperson of the European Commission Olof Gill in Brussels when asked about the assessment of Poland’s decision to close the border with Belarus. He added that it affects trade, but the responsibility lies with Russia and Belarus.

The Commission was asked on Thursday about the impact of the border closure between Poland and Belarus on international trade, including the export of goods from China to the EU.

Gill responded that the closure of the border, through which trade routes pass, affects trade and the European Commission is in contact with Polish authorities on this matter.

He also emphasized that Poland’s decision is related to security issues. – Any trade challenges related to this situation arise from Russia’s brutal, illegal, and unjustified war and the accompanying Belarus. Therefore, the solution would be to end the war – he said.

Another spokesperson for the European Commission, Markus Lammert, added that Poland’s decision to completely close the border with Belarus was communicated to the Commission on September 10. He also stated that the European Commission is ready to provide support to Warsaw in this matter. He further emphasized that Poland’s decision should be placed in the context of the threat from Russia and Belarus.

– The Commission is deeply concerned about the phenomenon of using migrants as a weapon and its impact on Poland. Poland’s external borders are the external borders of the Union, and we must ensure their full protection against any threats to the integrity and security of our territory. These threats pose a danger to Poland’s sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity, as well as to the security of the Union as a whole – he said.

As of midnight on Thursday, September 12, all border crossings between Poland and Belarus are closed until further notice. Traffic in both directions is suspended. The head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński in Terespol after the border closure emphasized that traffic will only be resumed when the safety of Poles is fully guaranteed.

The closure of all border crossings with Belarus was previously announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He explained that this is related to the Russian-Belarusian military exercises Zapad-2025.

The suspension of border traffic with the Republic of Belarus applies in both directions – leaving Poland for Belarus and entering our country. It concerns both road transport and freight trains.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior and Administration stated that the end of the “Zapad 2025” maneuvers does not mean the opening of the border, and it remains closed until further notice. Traffic will be restored, as the ministry stated, when the border is fully secure.

Since 2021, Belarus has been destabilizing the situation at the border with Poland by directing groups of illegal migrants from countries in Asia and Africa there. In response to these actions, Poland has expanded its security system at the border with Belarus and is also working on further strengthening it in case of military threats, including under the “Shield East” project. (09.18.2025)