"Eastern European Nations Intensify Border Controls to Curb Migrant Influx"

The Czech Republic and Poland have implemented coordinated border checks with Slovakia to combat illegal migration and smuggling. The tightened controls will last for 10 days, with the possibility of an extension. While dealing with illegal migration has been a contentious issue, all three countries are part of the EU's Schengen visa-free zone, causing political and trade friction. Slovakia has seen a rise in illegal migrants entering the country, primarily young men from the Middle East and Afghanistan, via the Balkan route. The issue of illegal migration has become a key campaign issue in upcoming elections in Slovakia and Poland.