Poland to Turn Its Border into a Smart System
Poland plans to build an electronic barrier on its border with Ukraine – underground cables, cameras, and seismic sensors that will respond to any movement near the demarcation line.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, this was announced by the Polish publication RMF FM.
Also read: Border Rush: The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Named the Reason for the Queues at the Entry to Ukraine and Gave Advice
What is Being Built at the Border
The barrier will be constructed along the section controlled by the Nadbug Border Guard unit – precisely where the Polish-Ukrainian border strip runs.
The project includes:
- underground cables to detect seismic vibrations;
- fiber optic cables for data transmission;
- power cables;
- poles with day and night vision cameras.
All information from the system will be sent to a monitoring center at the unit’s headquarters, where border guards will analyze it. This will allow for a quick response to any attempts at illegal crossing.
Funding Still Not Secured
The project’s cost is estimated at around 450 million zlotys (over 5.31 billion UAH at the current exchange rate). Part of the funding was planned to come from the EU SAFE program, but the president’s veto blocked this opportunity. Consultations are ongoing to find alternative financing.
The start dates for the work depend on two factors: the selection of a contractor and the availability of funds. If financing is not secured, the tender may be canceled.
Why They Decided to Build
The main reason is the escalation of the situation in the east due to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Polish services note that the situation abroad is dynamic, the number of diversions in the country is increasing, and criminal groups have become more active.
The barrier is intended not only to complicate illegal border crossings but also to enhance the effectiveness of identifying threats to national security. The contractor selection process has already begun.
Recall that recently Poland stated that it continues enhanced border control at the border with Germany and Lithuania due to threats from Belarus.
And now, instead of free movement, which is traditional for the Schengen zone, travelers must undergo serious checks.
Meanwhile, drones regularly enter EU countries. Recently, due to violations of its airspace, Latvia handed a note of protest to Russia. Latvia noted that Russia’s war against Ukraine creates risks for the security of the entire region.
