Poland faces difficult situation on its border with Belarus - EXCLUSIVE
Poland is facing an exceptionally difficult situation on its border with Belarus, a source from the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration told CE Report in an exclusive interview.
The ministry added that the Belarusian regime, with the support of the Russian services, has been exploiting illegal migration as a tool of pressure, forcing the country to introduce extraordinary security measures.
"On 8 December, the Council of the European Union confirmed Poland's exemption from the migrant relocation mechanism under the migration pact. As a consequence, Poland will not have to accept migrants or bear any related costs. Poland has convinced the European Union that our country's efforts to protect the eastern border of the EU and provide assistance to war refugees from Ukraine are the key arguments justifying Poland's exemption from the unfavourable migrant relocation mechanism. This means that we will not have to accept migrants from other European countries or incur any costs relating to them," Polish authorities noted.
An electronic barrier equipped with modern technology has been erected on the border with Belarus, while the physical barrier has been completely expanded, the ministry added.
"As a consequence, the tightness of our eastern border has reached 98%. We are effectively repelling hybrid attacks by Russia and Belarus involving illegal migrants. The border is guarded by over 11,000 border guards and soldiers, and checks at border crossings are facilitated by the European Entry/Exit System (EES), implemented in 2025, which drastically limits the possibility of entry for foreigners from third countries who are in possession of, for example, forged documents. We have temporarily suspended the right to asylum, which used to be abused by illegal migrants," the ministry noted.
The ministry considers that one of the key solutions at the border was the creation of a buffer zone, which has been in force since June 2024 and will remain in force at least until 4 March 2026.
"The zone has been carefully demarcated to protect the country effectively without disrupting citizens' life. It mainly covers inaccessible forest and wetland areas stretching across more than 78 kilometres. Importantly, the boundaries of the zone bypass towns and popular tourist routes, allowing residents and visitors to function without major obstacles. The government consults decisions regarding the buffer zone and its operation with local authorities and businesses in order to develop the best solutions for the region," the ministry added.
The existence of the zone, the ministry noted, effectively helps to control the crisis.
"By restricting the movement of unauthorised persons, Border Guard officers and soldiers can ensure security more effectively and catch human traffickers more quickly. This also facilitates work on modernising the barrier and its electronic systems. Despite the restrictions, the state is mindful of people's needs: residents, employees and families with children have free access to their homes and workplaces. Other people, including journalists and social activists, can apply for special passes issued by the Border Guard," the ministry added.
In its actions, the ministry emphasized, Poland places great emphasis on compliance with international standards and human rights.
"The services cooperate with humanitarian organisations to provide assistance where human life is at risk. Our approach has gained full understanding and support on the international arena. The European Union has recognised that protecting Poland's border is a shared responsibility and has supported our efforts with over PLN 220 million. We maintain regular contact with the European Commission and Frontex, working together to ensure that the border remains secure and that democratic values are effectively protected against hybrid operations from the East," the ministry concluded.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Julian Müller
