Poland to extend German, Lithuanian border controls until March 2027

Poland to Extend German and Lithuanian Border Controls Until March 2027

Extension of Border Controls and Impact on Migration

Official Announcement and Duration

WARSAW, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Poland will extend controls along its borders with fellow European Union members Germany and Lithuania by six months until March 30, its Interior Ministry said on Thursday, a move it says will curb illegal migration and strengthen Poland's security.

Background of Temporary Controls

• Poland introduced temporary controls in July 2025, mirroring several other EU governments, and subsequently extended them until October 1, 2026.

Statistics on Border Entry Denials

• Since the reintroduction of border controls, entry into the country has been denied to nearly 1,300 people at the Lithuanian border and nearly 1,200 at the German border, the ministry said in a statement.

Government Statement on Effectiveness

• "Border controls are an effective tool for curbing illegal migration. Extending them will make it possible to manage migration pressure and strengthen border security," the statement read.

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Aidan Lewis)