The decision of the Polish government to temporarily reconstruct border controls with Germany and Lithuania caused a storm beyond our western border. German media, from Berlin to Frankfurt, do not hide irritation and straight accuse Warsaw of moving a political game. The comments are clear: this is not an action dictated solely by safety concern, but by a manifesto aimed at Berlin and Brussels. In Polish-German relations, a new, highly tense phase has begun, and leading journalists inform against the consequences that can affect all Europe.
Commentators from the prestigious ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’ they compose explicitly that the action of Poland is not a thoughtful strategy, but a simple "contempt". They point out that although the authoritative reason is the NATO summit and the threat of migration, the real nonsubjective is to show political independence. This abrupt and, according to the Germans, unconsulted decision is seen as a deliberate blow to the foundations of European cooperation and trust that has been built for decades.
"Europe withdraws". Schengen area on the edge?
The main allegation that prevails in the German public debate is that European integration will go backwards. Poland's decision is seen as a powerful blow to 1 of the largest symbols of a united Europe – the Schengen area. Editorial ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’ and ‘Der Spiegel’ They beat the alarm, informing the dangerous ‘domin effect’. In their opinion, Warsaw's action can become a dangerous precedent, which will dare another associate States to introduce akin measures.
In practice, as journalists emphasize, average citizens are the most affected. Thousands of Poles and Germans who cross the border on a regular basis on their way to work, school or visiting their household are faced with difficulties that were to be just a memory. Freedom of movement, the foundation of the European Union, has been seriously threatened. If another countries follow in Poland's footsteps, the Schengen area can shortly only become a fiction on paper and Europe will return to an era of closed borders and common distrust.
Security or political manifesto? Germany has no doubt
The authoritative argument of the Polish government, citing the safety of the NATO summit in Warsaw and the expanding migratory pressure, does not convince German analysts. Although no 1 denies the existence of these threats, the way in which control is introduced is seen as evidence of deeper, political motivation. The key argument of the German side is total deficiency of prior consultation Berlin.
According to the commentators there, specified action demonstrates a conscious effort to manifest sovereignty and build the image of a state that does not number with partners. In the background there is speculation about interior policies and upcoming electoral campaigns where the image of a "strong government" defending borders can be a valuable capital. This decision is so interpreted not as a safety measurement but as a political manifesto of distrust towards the neighbours and EU institutions.
"New Cold War on the Border". Calls for urgent dialogue
The scale of the German reaction is so large that very strong terms appeared in the media. "Tagesspiegel" and "Die Welt" journalists inform that without immediate deescalation, the situation can turn into an open diplomatic conflict and even in "New Cold War on the Border". This dramatic wording shows how serious Poland's decision is and how much it raises concerns.
Experts and publicists appeal to the authorities in Berlin and Brussels to make urgent talks with Warsaw before the dispute gets out of hand. German politicians talk carefully for the time being, but announce that they will be watching Poland's next steps closely. At the same time, discussions are already underway in the Bundestag on how the European Union should respond to migration pressures without dismantling the Schengen area. The situation is highly dynamic and its further improvement depends on political will on both sides of Oder.
What's next on the border? Tensions may increase
Although the Polish authorities stress that border checks are temporary, the symbolic harm to Polish-German relations has already been caused. The reaction of German media and politicians proves that this decision is seen as much more than just an administrative procedure. This is simply a sign of a change in safety policy and evidence of a increasing crack in European unity.
A joint task based on trust and open borders has been put to the test. The Polish-German border, for years a symbol of reconciliation and cooperation, has again become an arena where national interests, ambitions and political emotions clash. The further actions of Warsaw and Berlin depend on how deep and lasting a scratch will be on the foundation of European integration. 1 thing is certain – the next weeks will be crucial for the future of relations between both countries.
Continued here:
Poland has restored border controls. The Germans thunder: “This is simply a fresh cold war!”
