Poland Urges EU to Prioritize Security Concerns at Belarus Border

Poland's six-month presidency of the European Union is prioritizing security issues. Amid the largest armed conflict in Europe in decades, the Polish border with Belarus has become a crucial symbol of the fight to defend the bloc and its values, according to NewsBox.

The border with Belarus stretches approximately 400 km, guarded by about 13,000 border guards and military personnel. This area has turned into a buffer zone, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Similar protective measures have been taken along the northern border with Russia's Kaliningrad region, reports The Associated Press.

Poland serves as a critical logistics hub for Ukraine, with a significant portion of Western military aid passing through its territory. Meanwhile, Russia uses Belarus as a key base for its aggression.

Near the border town of Polovce stands a 5.5-meter-high steel barrier topped with razor wire and equipped with surveillance cameras. The border crossing is closed, with concrete blocks and layers of wire along the road resembling defensive lines. During a visit on January 16, the Polish government invited international journalists to showcase the extent of local security measures.

The authorities in Warsaw attribute these measures to a hybrid war being waged by Russia and Belarus. They claim organized groups of migrants, mainly from Africa and the Middle East, are being directed to the border to destabilize Poland and the rest of Europe.

"We have tightened visa regulations and suspended the right to claim asylum in cases of mass border crossings instigated by Minsk and Moscow," stated Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a press briefing.

These actions highlight Poland's efforts to protect the European Union from new threats but also spark debates on humanitarian issues and human rights compliance.

Last year, nearly 30,000 attempts to cross the border were recorded. Most of these were young individuals, often from Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Polish authorities say they arrive in Belarus on tourist or student visas, paying anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 for help crossing the border.

Poland claims they are aided by Belarusian security forces and other "organizers." Often, these are Ukrainians, potentially in difficult circumstances after fleeing conflict. They reportedly earn $500 for each person they assist.

Border guards report regular attacks. Last year, one guard was killed and several were injured. Migrants were reportedly using slingshots, throwing small explosives or stones, and deploying pepper spray against the guards. Over 400 incidents were recorded in the last year, with 307 people hospitalized.