Politicians from Germany, Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, France and Austria, accompanied by Magnus Brunner, the EU commissioner for internal affairs and migration, met to address the escalating challenge of illegal migration and coordinate policy responses, according to public broadcaster Polish Radio's Berlin correspondent, Adam Górczewski.
The host of the meeting, Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s Interior Minister, chose the scenic surroundings of his home state as the setting for talks on one of the European Union’s hottest issues.
Standing nearly 3,000 meters tall, Zugspitze is not only Germany’s highest peak - it also sits on the border between Germany and Austria, linking it symbolically to the topic of the meeting.
On Friday morning, the German Interior Ministry organized a flight returning 81 Afghans who had violated German laws back to Afghanistan. Most were transported directly from prisons to Leipzig airport.
German commentators suggest the flight’s timing was deliberately scheduled to coincide with an international meeting of interior ministers focused on deportations.
Polish interior minister outlines migration challenges
Poland’s Minister of the Interior, Tomasz Siemoniak, highlighted the increased migration pressure and border tensions Poland faces, particularly along its border with Belarus. He also outlined recent border controls introduced between Poland and its neighbors Germany and Lithuania.
The ministers discussed new approaches to European migration policy, emphasizing the urgent need to update existing frameworks in response to evolving challenges. Key issues included preserving the Schengen Zone - a passport-free travel area within much of the EU - strengthening external borders, and combating illegal migration.
Siemoniak also spoke with Germany's Dobrindt on Friday about border controls on both sides of the border. The German interior minister reiterated his proposal to Poland, suggesting joint controls by both countries’ authorities at a single location on the German side of each crossing.
Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak (right) and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (left) during a meeting on migration policy on the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, July 18, 2025. Photo: RONALD WITTEK/PAP/EPA
Poland urges stronger EU cooperation to secure external borders, combat illegal migration
After the migration summit, Siemoniak emphasized a firm commitment to combating illegal migration, saying, “We are committed to a tough fight against illegal migration. Our countries prioritize security.”
The politician highlighted that the motto of the recently concluded Polish presidency of the EU was “Europe’s security,” reflecting the direction Poland wants to pursue through new solutions and tools.
Siemoniak expressed appreciation for the unanimous support on addressing "the instrumentalization of migration," a direct challenge Poland faces on its border with Belarus. He explained that migrants pushed by Belarusian services end up in various EU countries, which affects the wider regional migration situation.
On July 7, Poland introduced temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania to enhance security.
The minister pointed out a new challenge - the emergence of a migration route through Latvia and Lithuania. Poland has invested heavily in physical and electronic barriers on its Belarus border and welcomed Dobrindt’s planned visit to witness these efforts firsthand.
Stressing the importance of cooperation on the EU’s external borders, Siemoniak said securing these borders is an absolute priority, urging continued financial support.
He praised the European Commission’s EUR 52 million funding in December to strengthen the border and called for further investments to assist Latvia and Lithuania.
“If we succeed, internal border controls will no longer be necessary,” Siemoniak said.
From left: European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, Danish Minister for Migration and Integration Kaare Dybvad, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, Parliamentary State Secretary to the German Minister of the Interior Daniela Ludwig, Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan deliver statements during a ministerial meeting on migration policy on the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, in Grainau, Germany, 18 July 2025. Photo: RONALD WITTEK/PAP/EPA
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Source: X/@AdamGoorczewski/IAR/MSWiA