
Russian Drone Incursions in Poland Heighten NATO Tensions
The article discusses concerns about Russian drones invading Polish airspace, the resulting border checks, and the broader implications for the Schengen zone and regional security.
All articles tagged with #border checks

The article discusses concerns about Russian drones invading Polish airspace, the resulting border checks, and the broader implications for the Schengen zone and regional security.

Poland has begun random border checks at 52 crossings with Germany and 13 with Lithuania to combat illegal immigration, citing recent German controls and migration concerns, while emphasizing cooperation within the EU and adherence to Schengen rules.

Slovenia has introduced border checks with Hungary and Croatia for at least 10 days, following Italy's similar move due to increased violence in the Middle East. The decision reflects growing security concerns in Europe amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The EU is discussing how to manage the impact of the war on the bloc, with the issue of internal border checks being a challenge for the Schengen area. Other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and France, are also implementing border checks within the Schengen area.

Several countries in the Schengen visa-free travel zone, including Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria, have reinstated border checks due to a rise in undocumented migrants. Slovakia reported that around 40,000 migrants, mainly from the Middle East, entered the country this year, with many coming through Hungary. The controls include spot checks at road, rail, and waterway crossings. Germany also introduced new controls with Poland and the Czech Republic. EU leaders are set to discuss irregular migration at a meeting in Granada.

Tensions between Germany and Poland are escalating as Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government considers imposing border checks to address the influx of asylum seekers entering Germany through the Polish and Czech borders. Scholz linked the border crisis to an alleged visas-for-bribes scandal in Poland, sparking a diplomatic row. Poland's foreign minister accused Scholz of interfering in internal affairs and damaging mutual relations. Germany is under pressure to address irregular migration, with a significant increase in asylum requests. Talks between Germany and Poland regarding border checks are ongoing.

The UK government has delayed health and safety checks on food imports from the European Union for the fifth time in three years, highlighting the ongoing struggles and consequences of Brexit. The delays aim to avoid pushing up food prices and disrupting vital supplies, but they also add costs and friction to supply chains. Brexit has already contributed to high inflation in the UK, with a recent study attributing a third of food price inflation since 2019 to Brexit. Concerns persist that border checks on EU food imports could choke off supplies, and industry groups urge the government to provide certainty for businesses. The UK economy, already fragile due to the pandemic, faces the challenges of high inflation and rising interest rates.

The Cold Chain Federation has warned that the UK government's plans for post-Brexit border checks on goods coming into the country will deter many EU suppliers and push up food prices. The Cabinet Office said its proposals would prevent delays by reducing the need for physical checks for many goods. However, the trade body said it was "deeply concerned" by the complex forms and costs involved for exporters. The government will spend six weeks consulting with businesses before publishing a final model for trade checks later in the year.