The Polish ambassador in Berlin criticizes the German plan to tighten border controls

Controls at the German-Polish border pose a problem for daily border traffic, as well as for the functioning of the EU internal market, and therefore we do not want them to be tightened – said the head of the Polish embassy in Germany Jan Tombiński in an interview with the Politico portal.

The portal points out that these words were spoken just a few days before the first visit to Warsaw by the future Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz.

Tombiński, as reported by Politico, criticized the plans of the future German government regarding tightening border controls. “The current controls at the German-Polish border already pose a problem for daily border traffic and the functioning of the EU internal market. Therefore, we do not want tightening of border controls,” said the Polish diplomat.

The Christian Democratic Union Friedrich Merz, which is set to take power in Germany next Tuesday in coalition with the Social Democrats, has long promised a more assertive stance on migration to “win back right-wing voters.”

Merz announced the introduction of stricter border controls from the first day of his term.

When asked whether Poland would accept the return of asylum seekers, Tombiński emphasized that Warsaw maintains its “obligations arising from EU legislation.” He explained that this includes the reform of the EU asylum system.

Merz, whose main campaign promises included improving relations with Germany’s neighbors, including Poland, and taking a more proactive stance on the European stage, is set to travel to Warsaw on Wednesday, where he will likely defend his tough border policy. (03.05.2025)