Poland tightens border security, blames Belarus and Russia for migrant flow

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that 98% of attempts to illegally cross the Polish-Belarusian border have been prevented, following a briefing with commanders of uniformed services on March 22. 

He emphasized Poland’s efforts to mobilize Europe in recognizing the country's eastern border as a collective responsibility, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, as well as Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak, Tusk visited the border region to assess security measures.

During a conference in Ozierany Małe, he stated that intelligence reports confirm the "organizational and political patronage" of the Belarusian administration under President Alexander Lukashenko over migration pressure at the border. He also pointed to Russian involvement, describing the situation as a "state machine and a smuggling machine."

Tusk reported further arrests of individuals engaged in smuggling illegal migrants, noting that these were part of international networks. “Anyone involved in the illegal smuggling of migrants is part of a dirty business,” he declared.

Border security measures and European support

According to the Prime Minister, Poland has achieved a 98% success rate in preventing illegal border crossings due to the efforts of 11,000 officers deployed in the area. He highlighted the country’s investment of PLN 2.7 billion (nearly $697 million) in constructing a border barrier and reiterated plans for legislative changes to restrict the right to asylum applications for those crossing illegally. The law is currently awaiting the president’s signature.

Tusk also underscored Poland’s push to involve Europe in securing its eastern border, framing it as a shared responsibility for NATO and the European Union. “The East Shield—both in its military dimension and in protecting against illegal migration—is a common European duty,” he stated, stressing the need for increased funding for border security infrastructure.

Enhanced surveillance and border protection

Minister of National Defense Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that inter-agency cooperation is critical to maintaining security. “Cooperation is the key to success—just as national unity on the East Shield and border security is a raison d’état,” he said.

Minister of Interior and Administration Siemoniak highlighted the European Commission’s December decision to allocate €52 million for securing Poland’s borders with Belarus and Russia. The funds will be used to build an asphalt road along the border and acquire drones and other surveillance equipment.

Additionally, efforts are underway to prevent illegal crossings via rivers, wetlands, and other water bodies. Border Guard Chief Commander Robert Bagan reported the completion of an electronic surveillance barrier along the Istoczanka and Świsłocz rivers in the Podlaskie province. The 47-kilometer barrier, equipped with thermal imaging cameras, cost over PLN 85 million.

According to the Polish Border Guard, more than 2,000 illegal border crossing attempts have been recorded this year, with 1,300 occurring in March alone.

With Poland bolstering its border defenses and advocating for broader European involvement, the government remains committed to curbing unauthorized migration while reinforcing national security.

By Khagan Isayev