Germany’s Chancellor Merz Calls for Schengen Protection, Warns Against Abuse by Migrant Smugglers

In a joint press conference with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the importance of protecting the Schengen zone, which allows for free movement across most of the European Union. However, he warned that the system can only function effectively if it is not abused by those who facilitate irregular migration, particularly migrant smugglers.

Merz stated, “We naturally want to protect the Schengen zone, but the free movement within Schengen will only work in the long term if it is not exploited by those who promote irregular migration, especially migrant smugglers.”

Poland’s Plan to Reinstate Border Controls
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Monday that his government is considering reinstating border controls with Germany and Lithuania due to growing concerns over illegal migration. Tusk stated that a security briefing would be held with the Ministry of Interior, border guards, military, and police officials to assess the situation at the country’s borders.

Tusk said, “We have informed the German side that we may have to reinstate controls at the Poland-Germany border if suspicious cases continue.” He emphasized that border security is one of the government’s top priorities and assured that any measures would be implemented with minimal disruption to Polish citizens. Tusk also highlighted that steps would be taken to prevent illegal crossings from Lithuania to Poland.

Call to Prevent Pushbacks
In a separate press conference, outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda called on the government to take action to prevent the pushback of illegal migrants from Germany to Poland. Duda criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “We cannot allow the violation of laws and the forced pushing of migrants into our country. Germany created this migration problem, and they must deal with it on their own. We will not solve it for them.”