Poland and Germany implement new migration and border security measures

Poland is implementing significant changes to border security and migration management. The Ministry of the Interior and Administration plans to extend temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania for six months, from October 2, 2026, to March 30, 2027, citing ongoing migration routes through Belarus and the Baltic states.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Justice has proposed much harsher penalties for human smuggling. Under the new project, smuggling resulting in death could lead to up to 20 years in prison, while smuggling for profit could carry a 10-year sentence. However, the Supreme Court has warned that increasing the minimum fine for illegal border crossing from 20 to 500 PLN could inadvertently penalize tourists or mushroom pickers who accidentally cross the border.

In Germany, the government has adopted a draft law to utilize artificial intelligence (KIMVG) for managing migration. The law aims to use algorithms to automate visa and asylum procedures and verify information via social media. Human rights organizations have criticized the move, citing risks of systemic discrimination and errors stemming from the use of potentially flawed databases.