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The recent reinstatement of border controls between Poland, Germany and Lithuania has sparked debate within the European Union, raising concerns about the future of free movement within the Schengen Area. However, a careful reading of the measure highlights some very positive and rational elements in the fight against illegal immigration.
SCHENGEN AND BALANCED STATE SOVEREIGNTY
The Schengen Area, established in 1995, undoubtedly represents one of the most significant achievements of the European project, allowing the free movement of persons between the 27 European countries. However, the legislation itself includes safeguard clauses that authorize the temporary reinstatement of border controls in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security (articles 25-30 of the Schengen Borders Code). Poland’s decision taken on July 7th to reinstate border controls with Germany and Lithuania fits into this regulatory context. This measure, although temporary and selective, represents an act of self-defence by the Polish state against the increase in human trafficking and the irregular entry of migrants, phenomena that can threaten both internal security and social cohesion.
IRREGULAR IMMIGRATION: A GROWING THREAT
Irregular immigration cannot be considered solely as an administrative issue; it is a complex, multidimensional and constantly evolving phenomenon, with profound economic, social, and health implications, above all in terms of national security. The unauthorized entry of foreign citizens compromises the ability to effectively and rationally manage legal migration flows, altering the balance established by states’ planning and reception systems. This dynamic, in fact, overloads national mechanisms for international protection and humanitarian assistance, making it difficult to identify real situations of vulnerability and fueling exclusion and marginalization. Furthermore, irregular immigration is often closely linked to transnational criminal networks, in particular those involved in human trafficking, smuggling and labor exploitation, which thrive in weak controls and unequal regulations across European countries. This phenomenon also impacts the legal economy, fueling undeclared work and, in some cases, the abuse of welfare systems, thus undermining the sustainability of public services and generating resentment among the resident population. This discontent can translate into social tensions, contributing to political instability and the fragmentation of democratic consensus. Recent measures adopted by Poland, such as the reintroduction of border controls, have been justified in light of an increase in migrant smuggling activities, reported to be partially facilitated by a less rigorous management of flows by German and Lithuanian authorities. From this perspective, irregular immigration emerges not only as a challenge to national governance, but also as a test of cohesion and solidarity among European Union member states.
PROPORTIONALITY AND SELECTIVITY OF THE MEASURE
One of the main positive elements of the Polish measure is its proportionality. Checks were activated for an initial period of 30 days, with the possibility of extension only in the event of persistent problems. Furthermore, the selectivity of the checks (focused on suspicious vehicles such as buses, vans with tinted windows and cars with numerous passengers) minimizes the impact on ordinary travelers and cross-border trade. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak stated that the objective is not to hinder mobility, but rather to prevent and combat illegal activities. In this sense, the measure is perfectly consistent with the principles of necessity and proportionality enshrined in EU law.
STRENGTHENING PUBLIC SECURITY AND TRUST
The visible presence of law enforcement at the borders has also a positive psychological effect on the population. In an era of growing perception of insecurity, strengthening border controls can increase the sense of protection and trust in state institutions. The 1,800 officers deployed are a clear signal of the government’s commitment to defending territorial integrity and public order. These actions contribute to the prevention of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, prostitution, and smuggling. In other words, controlling the European Union’s external and internal borders is not only a legal duty, but an essential component of any modern security policy.
RESPONSIBILITY AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The reintroduction of border controls is also part of a broader context of mutual accountability among Member States, especially given the lack of coordination among some neighboring countries. To function properly, the Schengen system requires each state to effectively control its borders and cooperate with its neighbors. Without this principle of reciprocity, European solidarity risks turning into asymmetry and imbalance. Poland’s gesture can therefore be interpreted not as a unilateral closure, but as a call for dialogue and respect for common rules.
BORDER PROTECTION AS A PREREQUISITE FOR INTEGRATION
European integration is based on certain essential pillars: the single market, free movement, solidarity, and security. However, the protection of internal order and border control constitute the foundation on which these values can be concretely implemented. Without effective controls, freedom of movement can become vulnerability; without rigid entry criteria, social inclusion becomes more difficult to manage. From this perspective, policies to combat illegal immigration should not be seen as a conflict with human rights, but rather as a tool for balancing acceptance and legality.
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
The protests raised by some business associations, concerned about border delays, must also be evaluated in light of the long-term benefits. While temporary border controls may cause minor delays in transportation or inconvenience for commuters, strengthening legality represents an investment in stability and predictability. Indeed, a legal economy thrives only in environments where rules are clear, borders are secure, and businesses can operate without fear of unfair competition from illegal actors. Freedom of movement cannot exist without a rigorous enforcement of the law.
TEMPORARY CONTROLS AS A TOOL OF INSTITUTIONAL RESILIENCE
Poland’s reintroduction of border controls, although criticized by some international observers and stakeholders, represents a clear example of institutional resilience in the face of multiple crises. In an increasingly unstable geopolitical context, in which the European Union faces complex and interconnected threats (such as international terrorism, hybrid warfare, pressure from unregulated migration flows and growing tensions on its eastern borders), strengthening sovereign control capacities appears not only justifiable in terms of democratic legitimacy, but also necessary for the effectiveness and protection of collective security. The measure adopted by Warsaw can be interpreted as a pragmatic and multi-level response, aimed at defending the country’s territorial integrity, effectively combating organized crime and cross-border human trafficking networks, and preserving public order and the rule of law at a time of vulnerability. Furthermore, it contributes to strengthening citizens’ trust in state institutions, demonstrating a concrete capacity to react in the face of potentially destabilizing situations. The Polish decision also highlights the need to promote a more symmetrical and responsible approach among Member States, in which the burden of security is distributed in a fair and coordinated manner. From an economic perspective, the adoption of temporary controls can help ensure more transparent and competitive conditions for legal economic activity, preventing disruption in cross-border flows from fostering illicit or distortive practices. However, the adoption of such measures also raises significant questions about the future of the Schengen Area and the risk that emergency solutions could become permanent, undermining one of the fundamental pillars of European integration. The real challenge for the Union will therefore be to consolidate effective mechanisms of cooperation, coordination, and solidarity among Member States, so that initiatives like the Polish one can be brought within a shared strategic framework for managing external borders, inspired by criteria of rationality, proportionality, and sustainability.