Borage and Forge
Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that the decision to reopen 2 border crossings with Belarus was due to concern for the residents of border regions and local companies who have been facing economical problems since the closure of roads connecting both countries.
The Head of Government reported that there are no logistical obstacles preventing the launch of the crossing in Bobrowniki. In Kuźnica the border will be opened only for vehicles with a full mass of up to 3.5 tonnes due to ongoing surface renovation.
He besides added that the beginning of the border crossing of Połęce-Pieszczatka is not presently possible due to the fact that there is simply a military camp in this area.
Consultation with Lithuanians
The Prime Minister besides added:
I'm looking forward to intensive consultations with the Lithuanians so I don't surprise them. We must besides have a coherent policy erstwhile it comes to our neighbours.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that if the details of cooperation with Lithuania can be agreed and coordinated accordingly, the 2 mentioned border crossing points will be opened in November as part of the trial. He added that if any threats or problems arose, the border would not hesitate to close again.
On Monday, the Lithuanian authorities announced that the ground border crossing points with Belarus would be closed for an indefinite period. Tusk recalled this decision and added that it was taken as a consequence of Belarusian provocations.
I've asked various departments to prepare this decision so that it's possible this week. But we have a problem on the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. Due to repeated balloon provocations and not only from Belarus and Russia said the Prime Minister.
The crisis has lasted respective years
Since the summertime of 2021, the migration crisis caused by Belarus has been ongoing in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The road crossing in Kuźnica was closed on 9 November 2021 after an attack on them involving migrants organised by the Belarusian authorities. The transition in Bobrowniki closed on 9 February 2023 after the Belarusian government sentenced the Polish Union activist in Belarus, writer Andrzej Poczobut.
Since the pandemic, the transition to the Polowces has besides been inactive. At present, only railway crossings in Kuźnica and Siemianówka, through which only freight traffic occurs.
