Poland is set to finalize the construction of a border wall with Belarus by next summer in response to an increase in migrant crossings, which the Polish government attributes to what it describes as Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics. The Deputy Minister for Migration, Maciej Duszczyk, announced that infrastructure improvements along the 400-kilometer eastern border, which were initiated by President Donald Tusk’s administration, are scheduled for completion by mid-2025. Duszczyk expressed confidence that, upon completion, border security will be nearly absolute.
The decision to construct a border wall began in late 2021, prompted by the Belarusian government’s actions, which facilitated the arrival of thousands of migrants from the Middle East and Africa to Poland. Many migrants traveled through Moscow or Minsk and were then transported to the Polish border. Tusk’s government has made addressing this crisis and enhancing border security a primary concern. Initiatives include deploying night vision and thermal cameras, building new patrol roads, and strengthening the existing five-meter-high iron fence erected in 2022.
Duszczyk stated that the current migration routes created by Belarus will be closed by next summer, but he acknowledged the possibility of ongoing tensions and attempts by Belarus to further escalate the situation. Additionally, Poland has sought financial support from fellow EU member states for a military project known as East Shield, which aims to enhance defense capabilities against potential Russian aggression. The Polish government has earmarked 10 billion zlotys for this initiative, which is expected to bolster its defense budget significantly.
In response to the threats posed by migration weaponization, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels would provide 170 million euros to support initiatives in countries bordering Russia and Belarus. Meanwhile, Poland is also planning to construct a new road for military access to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which will enable quicker military responses to any future security issues.
However, Poland’s stringent stance on immigration has faced criticisms from non-governmental organizations, especially after Tusk’s administration declared a temporary suspension of asylum rights for individuals arriving from Belarus. Duszczyk defended these measures, remarking that EU countries can suspend asylum applications in cases of aggressive behaviors at borders, emphasizing that security takes precedence over migration issues.