Poland perceives the implementation of German border controls as a 'nominalization of the Schengen ideal'.
Poland feels that Germany implementing border checks at all its external borders puts a strain on their relationship. "We had no heads-up whatsoever," Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski stated to "Stern" magazine on Friday. "We weren't privy to the decision until Germany's Interior Minister publicly announced it." Bartoszewski argued that this was a strange way to handle relations with neighbors.
He went on to say, "Surprising your neighbors with such decisions isn't right. That's not how you treat allies." Bartoszewski labeled the introduction of border checks as "the demise of the Schengen spirit," alluding to the European region where mobility of people and goods is typically unrestricted.
On the German side, there's no indication of a strained relationship with Poland. "I can't see any tension," German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said on Friday in Berlin. Discussions on migration policy are scheduled with Germany's European partners, including Poland. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is also in contact with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. A Foreign Office spokesperson underscored, "We're working extremely closely with the new Polish government."
Border checks at all of Germany's land borders are slated to commence on Monday, lasting for six months initially. However, border controls with Poland have been in effect since last October, the Federal Ministry of the Interior explained on Friday, implemented "in close cooperation" with Poland. "Nothing will change" for the nation, according to the ministry. The expansion starting on Monday will primarily impact Germany's western and northern borders.
Lastly, Bartoszewski refuted accusations in "Stern" that Poland played a role in the sabotage of the two Nord Stream pipelines. "There's absolutely no evidence whatsoever that we've backed this group in any way," he asserted. "Instead of complaining about their destruction, the Germans ought to contemplate the reasons behind their construction in the first place."
The Polish Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his concern, stating, "The introduction of border checks by Germany represents the 'End of the Schengen spirit,' implying a limitation to the free movement that's characteristic of the Schengen region." Afterward, Bartoszewski continued, "Regrettably, this situation brings us to the 'End of the line' in terms of our current relations with Germany, unless a more collaborative approach is adopted."
