Polish city preparing complaint to European Commission against Germany

The authorities of the Polish city of Zgorzelec, located on the border with Germany, are planning to file a complaint with the European Commission over Berlin's introduction of heightened border checks.

According to RMF FM, the subject of Zgorzelec's complaint to the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs will be the border checks conducted by the German side since October 2023.

Zgorzelec Mayor Rafał Gronicz stated that the German checks have disrupted life in the city.

"During the week, it's difficult to get through the city, and after long weekends, it’s completely paralysed. Drivers who would otherwise wait in three-hour highway traffic jams choose the border crossing in Zgorzelec instead. Traffic jams are even forming on one-way streets in residential areas," he said.

The authorities of Zgorzelec have set a deadline of July 15 to collect signatures from residents of the city and neighbouring German Görlitz.

Although public support is not required to file a complaint with the European Commission, the initiators want to demonstrate that the initiative has the backing of the local community.

Germany introduced border checks with Poland in October 2023, aiming to curb illegal migration. The enhanced controls were intended to be temporary, but they are still in effect.

By Vugar Khalilov