WARSAW, Poland — Poland has reinstated temporary border controls along its frontiers with Germany and Lithuania, citing increased migration pressure and national security concerns. The measure, which came into effect on July 7, 2025, will remain in place for 30 days, in accordance with the rules of the European Union’s Schengen Area.

According to the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration, checks have been restored at 52 border crossings with Germany and 13 with Lithuania. The government maintains that the move is legal under Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, which allows for temporary internal border controls in cases of a serious threat to public policy or internal security.

Poland’s decision echoes similar actions taken by other Schengen members in recent years. Temporary border checks have been implemented at various times by Austria, France, Denmark, and Norway, mostly in response to terrorism threats or large-scale migration flows.

The European Commission has acknowledged Poland’s notification of the controls but has not issued a formal statement. Under EU law, Schengen countries must notify the Commission and other member states in advance of any internal border controls unless it is an emergency.

Although the checks are being carried out selectively, they have led to increased wait times at major border crossings. Commercial transport companies have reported delays, with some freight trucks experiencing hold-ups of up to two hours during peak times.

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