German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced his intention to participate in the protection of the Polish-Belarusian border. The government of Donald Tusk has not issued any statement on the matter, even though Merz speaks of “close cooperation” with Warsaw. Has Poland ceded part of its control over its own borders?
Merz: The EU’s Borders Are Germany’s Borders
On Friday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clearly announced an expansion of Germany’s influence over the eastern borders of the European Union, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
“We will take part in the protection of the EU’s external borders and will not leave this defence solely to those who directly share external borders on their territory,” he stated during a press conference.
Although Germany does not directly border either Russia or Belarus, Merz considers the Polish-Belarusian border to be strategically important for Berlin. He thanked Poland for blocking organised migration, referring to ongoing communication with Donald Tusk and “close cooperation” between the governments. However, the Chancellor’s words have caused consternation. What exactly does this German “participation” entail? Does it refer to the deployment of Frontex officers, or the presence of German uniformed services on Polish territory? Who would command such a formation? Would foreign officers be granted authority to use force within the borders of the Republic of Poland?
Most importantly: why is the Polish side silent? If any arrangements have been made with Berlin, why have they not been disclosed? Are decisions concerning Poland’s sovereignty being made without the knowledge of the citizens?
A Repeat of the Mercosur Affair?
This is not the first time that Tusk’s government has been suspected of concealing facts. Regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement, the official stance also claimed opposition, while behind-the-scenes actions suggested concessions. In that case too, it was not government ministers but opposition Members of the European Parliament who informed the public.
It is worth recalling that in the face of the migration crisis, civil society became involved in border protection, notably through the actions of the Border Defence Movement. Meanwhile, the government threatens participants in these civilian patrols, and German media accuse them of “undermining German migration policy.”
Chancellor Merz’s declarations raise the question: who is really making decisions today regarding Poland’s security policy?