The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has criticized Poland’s announced border controls as a setback for the Schengen Area, urging for a swift end to internal border checks across Europe. Sonja Eichwede, Deputy Leader of the SPD parliamentary group, stated to the “Rheinische Post” that the move was anticipated following Germany’s implementation of internal border controls. She described it as a significant blow to the Schengen Area and the principle of free movement.
Eichwede emphasized the importance of close coordination with European partners, asserting that the controls on the German border would primarily impact commuting and would not significantly deter migration towards Poland. While acknowledging potential effects at the border with Lithuania, the SPD politician stressed the need for a return to a Europe without internal border controls.
She further called for European unity and solidarity to facilitate the timely implementation of a common European asylum system. The SPD’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding border security and its impact on the broader Schengen framework and the free movement of people within Europe.
