Polish President Andrzej Duda has voiced strong concerns over recent incidents at the Polish-German border. In a radio interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Radio Zet, Duda highlighted the dual nature of Poland’s border responsibilities: securing the eastern border as it is also the frontier of the European Union and the Schengen Area, while trusting the friendly, internal Schengen border with Germany. However, the President condemned the actions of German police who have reportedly been forcibly transporting migrants back to Poland, describing these actions as illegal and scandalous.
Violations of International Norms
President Duda emphasized the gravity of the situation, detailing instances where German police have crossed into Polish territory using their vehicles to conduct pushbacks of migrants. He stated that these actions violate international procedures and norms, particularly when German police officers, while on duty, enter Polish soil, thereby infringing on Poland’s sovereignty. Duda called these actions a severe breach of trust within the Schengen Area.
To address these violations, President Duda stressed the need for robust diplomatic and political interventions. He insisted on the importance of resolving the issue through high-level diplomatic channels and stated his intention to discuss the matter with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Duda noted that this situation, while alarming, is still less severe compared to the challenges faced on the Polish-Belarusian border.
Upcoming Diplomatic Discussions
President Duda confirmed that he would soon engage in talks with President Steinmeier to address the issue of German pushbacks. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity and security of Poland’s borders while ensuring adherence to international law and mutual respect between neighboring countries within the Schengen Area.