Poland extends Belarus border exclusion zone despite migrant drop

Poland on Wednesday extended a restricted‑access zone along part of its border with Belarus for another 90 days, arguing that migration pressure on the EU’s eastern frontier remains a security concern. The buffer zone, covering approximately 78 kilometres of the border, will remain in force until August 31. First introduced in June 2024, the measure has now been extended for the eighth consecutive time.

Sharp decline in crossings

According to ministry data, authorities recorded 215 illegal crossing attempts between January and May this year, down from more than 10,600 during the same period last year — a decline of about 98%. Despite the drop, the ministry said maintaining the zone is necessary to ensure “the highest operational vigilance and high effectiveness of border protection.” “The reduced pressure does not mean the end of the crisis,” the ministry argued, noting that Belarus has shifted its efforts toward the borders with Lithuania and Latvia.

Cost and criticism

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski hosted Ireland’s Justice Minister at the Kuznica‑Bruzgi border crossing for talks on EU border security ahead of Ireland’s EU Council presidency in July. Poland has spent nearly 3 billion zloty ($800 million) on border protection over the past two years, building a steel barrier and deploying surveillance systems. Human rights groups have criticised Poland’s policies, accusing authorities of unlawful pushbacks and restricting access to asylum procedures.