Poland, Czech Republic to tighten border controls with Slovakia
Poland and the Czech Republic announced on Tuesday the introduction of temporary border controls with Slovakia. The measure, which will be in effect for a period of 10 days starting on Wednesday, is aimed at reducing illegal migration and trafficking, according to Agerpres.
"The measure is necessary for an effective fight against trafficking groups and illegal migration," Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan wrote on a social media network.
The official specified that random checks will take place along the entire length of the border with Slovakia, in such a way that cross-border trade and passenger traffic will be affected as little as possible.
Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said he had informed his counterparts in Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic, as well as the European Commission, about the controls, in accordance with the rules of the Schengen Area.
The Polish minister also explained that in recent weeks Polish authorities have detected and detained 551 illegal migrants at the border with Slovakia, which prompted them to take "decisive action."
The quoted source writes that Slovakia has recently faced an increase in the number of illegal migrants coming to the country, en route to Germany and Western Europe. The migrants, mostly young people from the Middle East and Afghanistan, mostly arrive via the so-called Balkan route, passing through Serbia and Hungary.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
