In a move to tighten security and address increasing confrontations involving irregular migrants at the Poland-Belarus border, the Polish government has announced plans to reinstate a restrictive no-go zone along the frontier. The decision, set to take effect on June 13 2024, comes amid escalating tensions and follows reports of a Polish soldier allegedly being stabbed by migrants near the border area.
Secretary of State Czeslaw Mroczek confirmed the development, stating, “(The regulation) will be signed on Wednesday 12th of June 2024, we will have time to complete the entire government circulation, and it will come into force on Thursday.”
The no-go zone will span a 60-kilometer stretch along the border, extending 200 meters into Polish territory and up to two kilometers into the Bialowieza forest. Authorities have identified two sections within this area as hotspots for frequent irregular border crossings, prompting the need for heightened security measures.
The village surrounding the Bialowieza forest has been reported as the epicenter of migrant crossings, with thousands of border guards and hundreds of soldiers patrolling the forest roads daily, making it nearly impossible for individuals to attempt unauthorized border crossings without being apprehended.
The Poland-Belarus border has been a flashpoint since 2021 when migrants began arriving after Belarus, a close ally of Russia, allegedly opened travel agencies in the Middle East to facilitate an unofficial migration route into Europe. The European Union has accused Belarus of deliberately creating a crisis, although Minsk has consistently denied these allegations.
While the no-go zone aims to curb irregular migration, local business owners fear it will also deter summer tourists drawn to the Bialowieza forest, one of Europe’s last ancient woodlands. With just days remaining before the restrictions take effect, hotel owners and tour operators have already reported canceled reservations, further exacerbating concerns over the potential economic impact on the region.
Poland’s decision to reinstate the no-go zone is part of a broader effort to fortify its eastern borders. The country is also undertaking the Shield-East project, a collaborative initiative with other eastern NATO allies, including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This project involves fortifications along approximately 700 kilometers (430 miles) of Poland’s border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, with an estimated cost of 2.35 billion euros ($2.55 billion) and a targeted completion date of 2028.
As tensions along the Poland-Belarus border escalate, the reinstatement of the no-go zone underscores the delicate balance between maintaining border security and addressing irregular migration while minimizing the impact on local communities and businesses. The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by nations grappling with migration issues and the need for comprehensive strategies that address both security concerns and economic considerations.