Poland threatens new border controls: danger of traffic jams on the A12!

Poland threatens new border controls: danger of traffic jams on the A12!

Next Monday, July 7, 2025, Poland will introduce its new border controls on the border with Germany. But that is not the only exciting aspect of this decision. Poland's Interior Minister, Tomasz Siemoniak, has already signaled his willingness to withdraw these controls if Germany also stops its own controls. This coordination between the two countries is crucial to ensure smooth transit and avoid possible traffic jams.

Germany has introduced random controls on its border with Poland since October 2023 to combat irregular migration. This happened on the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), who increased controls after taking office in May 2025 and introduced the possibility of rejecting asylum seekers directly at the border. These measures are intended in particular to help regulate the so-called “access power” of migrants and to maintain public order.

Economic damage and traffic problems

The border controls not only have political but also economic consequences. Brandenburg's Interior Minister René Wilke and representatives of the chambers of commerce and industry are warning of enormous traffic jams that already occur frequently on the Polish side. Dietmar Woidke, the Prime Minister of Brandenburg, is urgently calling for solutions to calm traffic - for example by proposing a third lane for controls on the A12. Discussions about structural changes between Frankfurt (Oder) and Swiecko are already underway in order to avoid possible traffic disruptions.

The problem of cross-border traffic is not new. EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, who has been informed of Poland's plans and recognizes their necessity, has also contributed to the ongoing discussions. But the solution requires close cooperation between Germany and Poland to ensure smooth border traffic.

New EU border procedure

In the context of border controls and asylum procedures, the EU Parliament approved a new border procedure for asylum decisions at the external borders in April 2024. This procedure aims to quickly decide whether asylum applications are unfounded or inadmissible. The focus is particularly on security and order in the member states. Applicants who are considered a security risk or come from countries where the recognition rate is low must expect shortened examination procedures. The deadlines are strict: complete decisions should be made within twelve weeks, and in the event of rejections, applicants must be repatriated as quickly as possible.

Compliance with these procedures is not only a challenge for the relevant authorities, but could also lead to greater regulation of migration and asylum across the EU. It therefore remains to be seen how the current developments on the Polish-German border will affect the entire European system.

Finally, it should be noted that the issue of migration and border protection remains highly relevant in the EU. The measures now being taken could set the tone for future decisions and cooperation between Member States. Despite all the challenges, we remain optimistic that solutions will be found that benefit everyone involved.

To delve deeper into the topic, you can find more information about the decisions in the EU Parliament on border protection measures here and about how migration in the EU is organized here.