A Secure Border Means a Secure Poland

The operation to secure the eastern border is one of the largest undertakings since 1989. On the 418-kilometer stretch bordering Belarus, Polish soldiers and officers safeguard citizens' security every day.

“We are in a place that best illustrates how serious a problem we have been facing for years in terms of the security of Poland’s eastern border,” emphasized Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his visit to the Polish-Belarusian border in the Podlasie region.

“We are not just dealing with illegal migration, but with state-led operations involving the regimes in Minsk and Moscow.”

“There are two dimensions to this security issue,” the Prime Minister said. “The first concerns the pressure from illegal immigration orchestrated by President Lukashenko's administration. We are also aware of Russian involvement.”

Tusk also pointed to the presence of international criminal trafficking groups, with which Polish services are increasingly effective in dealing. Thanks to these efforts, Poland not only protects its own territory but also strengthens the eastern border of the European Union, which is crucial for regional security.

Investments in a Sealed Border

Border operations are a key part of the country's defense strategy, combining modern technological solutions with increased presence of uniformed services.

“We’ve achieved a 98% effectiveness rate in apprehensions thanks to the determination of our soldiers, Border Guard, and Police. That’s 11,000 people on duty and on constant alert,” said the Prime Minister.

Poland is reinforcing its borders by modernizing the existing barrier, constructing a new electronic barrier, establishing a buffer zone, and implementing additional legislative measures. Maintaining security requires enormous logistical and financial effort—so far, PLN 2.7 billion has been allocated for border protection.

“When we took over, the barrier could be pried open with a jack in 20 seconds. Now we have two cross-chains, an electronic barrier, and a buffer zone,” explained Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak.

As part of the electronic barrier project, over 500 posts, 1,300 cameras, and around 700 infrared illuminators have been installed. The investment exceeded PLN 85 million. This year alone, a 186-km technical road along the barrier will be built, along with five observation towers in riverine areas of the Podlasie Voivodeship.

The goal is to create a fully sealed border system. Currently, priority is being given to securing waterways and rivers, which have become targets for illegal migrants with the arrival of spring.

Shared Border, Shared Responsibility, Shared Defense

The Prime Minister called for joint European actions in response to hybrid threats. Strengthening cooperation with EU and NATO member states is crucial for enhancing regional security. Poland is already playing a key role in this process.

“The border is becoming increasingly sealed. We have reason to be satisfied, but also recognize this requires a huge effort by the entire state. We are mobilizing Europe to treat these borders as a shared responsibility,” said Donald Tusk.

Border protection has also become a symbol of national consensus on security.

“Some prefer to play Russian roulette. We are building the East Shield—in the spirit of cooperation and responsibility,” said Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Thanks to the government’s efforts, the EU has recently taken several decisions to strengthen Europe’s defense capacity more quickly. One such decision was to designate the construction of the East Shield as a flagship EU project aimed at deterring and overcoming potential threats from the East.

In the near future, thanks to EU support of €52 million, new roads will be built along the border, and drones and ICT systems will be purchased.

A Firm Stance Against Traffickers

Thanks to effective action, Poland is no longer an easy route for illegal migration.

“We are receiving more and more reports that traffickers are increasingly discouraged from using the Polish route,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

Monitoring the border with Lithuania is also essential to prevent trafficking routes from shifting. The government will respond firmly to any support for illegal activities, including within the country.

“Anyone involved in human trafficking is part of a very dirty business,” said the Prime Minister.

To better counter illegal migration, the government has prepared a range of measures to tighten the visa system, regulate access to asylum, and control access to the labor market for foreigners. One of these is a law that allows the suspension of the right to seek asylum.

“We are implementing a law that will prevent the asylum system from being used to organize illegal border crossings,” the Prime Minister announced.

The entry into force of the law—expected to significantly enhance Poland's security and give the Border Guard essential tools—is now pending the President’s signature. Signing the bill on temporarily suspending asylum applications for illegal border crossers will pave the way for a regulation that will hinder trafficking operations and deter attempts at illegal entry.

Better Conditions for Soldiers, More Border Guard Officers

Soldiers and officers face a huge challenge, so it is essential to provide them with suitable working conditions. These have improved over the past year.

“What we’ve organized together here means this service is modern and as comfortable as possible for those who dedicate their time to protecting the border,” emphasized Donald Tusk.

Modern equipment, bulletproof vests, proper clothing, inter-agency cooperation, and proper training are now standard. Comfort and modernization are not just technical or living issues—they represent respect for the thousands guarding the border. Legislative changes have also affected soldiers’ morale.

“Last year, we gave soldiers more confidence in using their weapons. The [new] law has in reality increased security,” added Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Poland remains on the front line of EU eastern border protection, consistently strengthening its defensive capacity and operational effectiveness. Investments in infrastructure, modern technologies, and improved service conditions for soldiers and officers form the foundation of a long-term security strategy. The government continues to develop additional measures that will not only increase the country’s resilience to hybrid threats but also reinforce European solidarity in the face of contemporary challenges.