Poland extends military border support through March 2027

The Polish government has officially extended military support for the Border Guard at the borders with Germany and Lithuania. Following a decision by President Karol Nawrocki and the Minister of National Defence, the missions known as ‘Bezpieczny Zachód’ (Safe West) and ‘Bezpieczne Podlasie’ (Safe Podlasie) will continue from October 2, 2026, until March 30, 2027.

The extension is a response to sustained migration pressure and the risk of irregular crossings within the Schengen area. On the German border, controls will be conducted at 50 locations, while 13 locations will be monitored on the Lithuanian border.

The operations primarily involve the Territorial Defence Forces (WOT). Specifically, the 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th Wielkopolska, Zachodniopomorska, Lubuska, and Dolnośląska brigades are supporting the western border, while the 1st Podlaska Brigade manages the border with Lithuania and Belarus. The stated goal is to ensure the integrity of state borders and maintain public order.