Olaf Scholz calls Tusk after criticism from Poland

Following criticism from Poland of the introduction of border controls at all German external borders, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) spoke on the phone with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Scholz explained the migration policy measures introduced by the federal government, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said on Friday. The topic also included “further considerations for reducing irregular migration, which are within the framework of the European legal order.”

Both agreed “that the challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking can only be overcome jointly and that close cooperation between European partners is essential.” According to the government spokesman, there was also agreement on strengthening the protection of Europe’s external borders – “especially in view of the cynical exploitation of migrants by Belarus.” Scholz and Tusk agreed to continue “their close exchange” on these issues.

Olaf Scholz provides temporary reassurance

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced on Monday temporary border controls at Germany’s land borders with all nine EU neighbours. The controls are to come into force on September 16 for six months. Tusk then sharply criticised the plans – they were “unacceptable from a Polish point of view”.

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski also saw this as a burden for both countries: “We were not informed in advance in any way,” he told star according to information from Friday. “We found out about it when the German Interior Minister made the decision public.” Bartoszewski criticized this as a “somewhat unusual way of dealing with one’s neighbors.”

He added: “You can’t surprise your neighbors with decisions like this. That’s not how you treat partners.” The introduction of border controls is the “end of the spirit of Schengen,” he said, referring to the European area in which free movement of people and goods is usually guaranteed.

However, the German government did not see any strained relationship with Poland. “I cannot see any strain there,” said government spokesman Hebestreit in Berlin on Friday. The discussions on migration policy that are being held here will also be held by Germany with its European neighbours. “We are working very closely with the new Polish government,” emphasised a spokesman for the Foreign Office.

There have been controls at the borders with Poland since October last year – “closely coordinated” with Poland, as a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior said on Friday. For the country, “nothing at all” will therefore change. The extension from Monday will apply to Germany’s western and northern borders.