The Polish government has decided to completely close all country borders for an indefinite period. The decision aims to increase national security in the face of growing terrorist and migration threats.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced yesterday the introduction of a state of emergency at the borders, which includes closing all border crossings - both land, sea, and air. The decision took effect at midnight.
"This is a difficult but necessary decision," the Prime Minister said during a press conference. "The security of Poles is our highest priority. We cannot allow further threats to our country."
Closing the borders means that all international flights have been canceled, international trains are not running, and border crossings are closed to passenger and freight traffic. Exceptions apply only to medical and humanitarian transport.
The Interior Minister reported that additional military and police forces have been deployed at the borders. "We have 15,000 soldiers and 8,000 police officers at our disposal," the minister said. "All borders are under full control."
The decision has met with mixed reactions. Opposition representatives called it "excessive" and "harmful to the economy." "This could lead to paralysis of trade and tourism," said the opposition leader.
Business representatives from border regions fear catastrophic economic consequences. "We are already losing millions of zlotys daily," said the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Gdańsk. "This could lead to bankruptcy of many companies."
The European Union expressed "deep concern" about Poland's decision. The European Commission is considering initiating an EU law violation procedure, claiming that closing borders violates the principle of free movement of persons.
NATO supported Poland's decision, recognizing it as a "proportional response" to security threats. The Alliance's Secretary General assured "full support" for the Polish government's actions.
Security experts say that closing borders is a "drastic measure" that may be effective in the short term but long-term may cause more harm than good. "We need to find a balance between security and normal state functioning," said an expert from the National Security Institute.
The government announced that borders will be opened "as soon as possible" but did not give a specific date. "The situation will be regularly assessed," the Prime Minister said. "The decision to open borders will be made when threats are eliminated."