Concern in Saxony about Polish border controls

The Saxon Minister for Economic Affairs, Dirk Panter (SPD), is concerned about the border controls announced by Poland. "For the many commuters and companies operating across the border, this is another major burden - after the controls already in place on the German side," explained the minister in Dresden. Saxony lives from an open Europe, from uncomplicated trade across the border and from a functioning everyday life in the border regions.

Panter: Dobrindt must take care of solution

Panter urged Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) to immediately seek a viable solution on both sides of the German-Polish border. "The German government must quickly seek talks with Poland and, together with our partners, find a European response to the situation of illegal border crossings. National solutions jeopardize the European project."

According to Panter, cross-border traffic is not a minor matter and is vital for people and the economy in the region. "Long waiting times, planning uncertainty and disrupted goods traffic ultimately harm everyone involved. It is high time that Berlin took action - not at some point, but now," emphasized the minister.

13,000 people from Poland commute to work in Saxony every day

The approximately 30,000 Polish employees subject to social security contributions are by far the largest group of foreign employees in Saxony. A good 13,000 of them commute daily between their place of work in the Free State and their place of residence in Poland. The largest group of Polish workers in Saxony are employed in industry. This is followed by transport and warehousing, temporary work and construction.

Since May 1, 2011, Polish citizens have enjoyed unrestricted freedom of movement for workers. This means that Polish citizens can work in Germany under the same conditions as German citizens - without needing a work permit.

Border controls planned from Monday

In response to German border controls, Poland wants to temporarily introduce its own controls at the border with Germany. A corresponding order from the Ministry of the Interior will come into force from next Monday, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw on Tuesday. Checks will also be carried out at the border with Poland's eastern neighbor Lithuania.