Tensions Over Migration Expand To Central Europe Posing Challenge to Schengen Rules

Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller confirmed that Warsaw is "very close to making a decision" on tightening controls on the border with Slovakia after receiving information that illegal migrants headed for Germany are flocking into the country via the so-called Western Balkan route.

• Muller added that the authorities are analysing fresh information on illegal migration and are not ruling out tightening controls on the border with Germany as well, due to concerns over the arrival of migrants from Lampedusa, although the Slovak border will be a priority.
• This comes as German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told Welt am Sonntag that short-term border controls could be established on the borders with Poland and Czechia, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that introducing checks on the border with Poland might be necessary due to Warsaw's cash-for-visas scandal.
• Migration has become one of the main themes of the ongoing election campaign in Poland. Although it is known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric, the ruling party is facing corruption allegations surrounding the granting of thousands of worker visas to foreigners by Poland's consular service.
• Germany, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia are among the 27 member states of the Schengen Area and hence have lifted all controls on their mutual borders. However, any member state can temporarily reinstate border controls if there is a serious threat to "public policy or internal security" of that state.
• Tensions over illegal migration are evident in southern Europe, with France and Austria beefing up controls on their borders with Italy. In the coming days, EU lawmakers are set to start negotiations to harmonise the rules on the suspensions of Schengen arrangements.