What started as a diplomatic warning has now turned into real action.
Poland has officially brought back border controls with Germany and Lithuania, saying it’s a matter of national security.
The move comes as Warsaw accuses Berlin of illegally pushing migrants into Polish territory—escalating tensions between the two EU neighbors.
Operation “Safe West” Begins on Poland’s Western Front
Poland has kicked off a special military-backed operation dubbed “Safe West”, aimed at clamping down on border crossings from Germany and Lithuania.
According to Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the initiative is a direct response to what the government sees as a growing threat posed by irregular migration.
Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that the Polish Armed Forces are now supporting the Border Guard and national police along the German border.
“We are taking firm steps to protect our borders,” he said, making it clear that the operation is part of a broader national security strategy.
Thousands of Troops Deployed to Lithuanian Border
But the operation doesn’t stop with Germany. Poland is also ramping up security along its border with Lithuania.
The defense minister confirmed that 5,000 troops have been deployed in that region to strengthen controls.
“We are responding decisively to migration threats,” Kosiniak-Kamysz reiterated, underlining that this isn’t just about policy—it’s about boots on the ground.
Warsaw Accuses Germany of Secretly Returning Migrants
The Polish government has been vocal for months about its frustration with Berlin.
Officials in Warsaw say German police have been quietly transferring migrants back into Poland, an accusation Germany has not officially acknowledged but one that has clearly soured relations.
Despite these accusations, Germany has continued its own border checks since last year—something Poland has repeatedly criticized.
The situation has grown so tense that Kosiniak-Kamysz recently confirmed there would be no joint patrols between the two countries, signalling a clear breakdown in bilateral cooperation.
First Illegal Crossings Stopped at Lithuania Border
As part of the wider crackdown, Poland’s Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak revealed that the first arrests of illegal migrants were made at the Lithuanian border.
The incident happened just before midnight when an Estonian driver was caught trying to smuggle a group of Afghan nationals into Poland.
So far, according to Siemoniak, the operation has gone smoothly.
“There have been no disruptions or delays on the roads,” he said. “The first few hours are going according to plan.”
Prime Minister Tusk Warned This Was Coming
This border clampdown didn’t come out of nowhere.
Back on July 1, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made it clear that temporary border controls would be introduced with both Germany and Lithuania.
Tusk had already been urging the German government to stop its alleged migrant returns, warning that Poland was losing patience fast.
And back in May, Warsaw even threatened to completely close the German border if Berlin didn’t change course.
Poland Ready to Invoke EU Security Clause
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, Polish leaders have hinted at a possible legal step that could shake things up across the EU. Officials say they’re ready to invoke Article 72 of the EU Treaty, a clause that gives member states the right to suspend certain EU obligations in cases of national security.
It’s a dramatic step, but one that signals how deeply Poland feels this crisis is undermining its sovereignty and security.
What Comes Next?
As tensions between Poland, Germany, and Lithuania continue to build, all eyes will be on how the EU responds.
Will there be pressure on Berlin to change course? Will Warsaw stick to its hardline stance? For now, one thing is clear—Poland is not backing down, and the border crisis has taken a very real, very visible turn.