Germany has introduced increased controls on the border with Poland in response to a growing wave of illegal migration. German authorities claim that the situation requires immediate action to protect internal security.
German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer announced yesterday the introduction of temporary border controls at all crossings with Poland. The decision took effect at midnight and is to remain in force for the next 30 days.
"In the last month, we have recorded a 300% increase in attempts to illegally cross the border from Poland," Seehofer said during a press conference in Berlin. "We can no longer ignore this problem."
The controls cover all means of transport - passenger cars, trucks, trains, and buses. German border police have been reinforced with an additional 500 officers, including specialists in detecting fake documents.
Polish authorities expressed understanding for the German decision but emphasized that Poland is also taking decisive action in migration control. "We are cooperating with our German partners," said the Polish Interior Minister.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations dealing with refugee assistance expressed concern about the decision, claiming it may hinder legal migration and violate human rights. "Controls should be selective, not mass," said an Amnesty International representative.
The European Union is monitoring the situation and considering the possibility of introducing joint solutions for border controls. The European Commission is to present its recommendations within the next two weeks.
Business representatives from border regions fear the negative impact of controls on cross-border trade. "We already see a 40% decrease in border traffic," said the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Szczecin.