On Tuesday afternoon, Polish authorities officially announced the reinstatement of border controls with the Slovak Republic. This decision is in response to the increased migrant movement in the region.
According to the information provided by Tomasz Praga, Chief Commander of the Border Guard, the border controls will be renewed every 20 days and can last for a maximum period of two months. The changes will take effect as early as this night, precisely at midnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Commander Praga also provided a list of eleven points where one can cross the border. These locations are in the provinces of Podkarpacie, Malopolska, and Silesia.
Alarming data point to the increasing movement of migrants on the so-called “Balkan route”, which leads through Slovakia and Poland to Western Europe. So far this year, Slovakia has confirmed the detention of over 23,000 migrants. By comparison, nearly 900 people were recorded in September alone.
The Czech Republic has supported Poland’s decision, also deciding to implement temporary controls on its border with Slovakia – according to the Minister of the Interior, Mariusz Kaminski.
In addition, the Polish military will aid the Border Guard at the Slovakian border. The soldiers will have the same rights as the Border Guard to conduct checks. Soldiers from operational troops, territorial defense, and engineering troops will be directed to the border, informed the Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak.
