Europe in Transition: Short- and Long-Term Implications of Border Controls at the German-Polish Border

Integration Department

Project head: Prof. Dr. Magdalena Nowicka

Running time April 2026 until December 2026
Status Current project

The temporary reintroduction of border controls between Germany and Poland in a region strongly shaped by cross-border mobility, economic interdependence, and personal connections has a direct impact on commuting, trade, and social relationships. At the same time, it raises questions about the practical implementation of European cooperation and how it is perceived in everyday life.

Guiding research questions

How do residents of the border region experience the reintroduction of controls, and what symbolic and emotional meanings does the “return” of the border take on?
How does the new border regime influence perceptions of the EU, national governments, and bilateral relations?
The reintroduction of border controls affects life throughout the entire region. Understanding this is important for continuing the German-Polish dialogue and cooperation between municipalities, civil society actors, and residents of the region.
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Nowicka, Head of the Integration Department

The project aims to examine the experiences of people in the German-Polish border region and to better understand how their perceptions of European cooperation, state institutions, and cross-border relations evolve in everyday life. Another key focus is to identify ways in which civil society actors can be involved in a constructive, cross-border exchange. On this basis, the project seeks to stimulate a balanced discussion on how regional perspectives can contribute to the further development of European cooperation.

Methodologically, the project relies on ethnographic and visual approaches. These are complemented by interviews with experts, residents, and cross-border commuters in Germany and Poland in order to systematically capture a range of perspectives.

The context of the study is the temporary reintroduction of border controls between Germany and Poland. In a region strongly shaped by cross-border mobility, economic interdependence, and personal connections, such changes have direct effects on commuting, trade, and social relations. At the same time, they raise questions about the practical implementation of European cooperation and how it is perceived in everyday life.

Funding: German-Polish Science Foundation (Third-party funding)

Cooperation partner:

 Instytut Zachodni