Poland will reintroduce temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania starting July 7. Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that this move is necessary due to uncontrolled flows of illegal migrants putting pressure on Poland, especially after Germany tightened its border controls and started refusing entry to migrants. Tusk warned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Poland will retaliate with similar measures if Germany extends its controls until September, which would go against the spirit of the Schengen Agreement. Currently, 11 countries within the Schengen Area apply temporary border checks, and Poland will become the 12th. Critics argue that such measures are slowly dismantling the Schengen system, which is a cornerstone of free movement in Europe. Members of the European Parliament warn that these decisions could mark the beginning of the end for Schengen, with serious consequences for the economy and trust in the EU. Belgium has also announced plans to introduce controls later this summer. The European Commission can only issue non-binding opinions on these measures and lacks the power to stop them. All this sends a clear message: Europe is closing its doors, and free movement is becoming a luxury. If you plan to travel across Europe this summer, prepare for delays and checks. So, what do you think — is this the end of Schengen or just another episode in the endless European soap opera? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
