Polish farmers halt protests to join border patrols

Farmers in Poland are shifting focus from EU protests to border patrols, teaming up with far-right groups amid growing anti-migrant sentiment.

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News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

[EPA-EFE/MARCIN BIELECKI]

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Aleksandra Krzysztoszek EURACTIV.pl Jul 8, 2025 05:59 1 min. read

News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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Languages: Spanish

WARSAW – Polish farmers are suspending their protests against EU agriculture policy to support 'citizen' patrols organized by far-right activists on the border, targeting alleged smuggling of illegal migrants from Germany into Poland.

The Nationwide Farmers’ Protest, active since 14 May in Szczecin, close to the Polish-German border, has aligned with the far-right Civic Border Defence Movement, according to Polish media.

Led by far-right activist Robert Bąkiewicz, the Civic Border Defence Movement comprises nationalist groups, football ultras, and local residents who patrol the border. They claim to prevent illegal border crossings from Germany after the Polish government reinstated temporary border controls on Monday over alleged illegal migrant crossings.

Incidents such as the unlawful stopping of vehicles have raised concerns, prompting Deputy Interior Minister Wiesław Szczepański to criticise these patrols and urge citizens to leave border security to the professionals.

Languages: Spanish