Several EU member states control their external borders in the wake of the Corona crisis. Poland has introduced a 14-day quarantine period for citizens returning to the country. This also has an impact on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where Polish workers are employed in the health sector and agriculture, among others. Commenting on the situation Dr. Hannah Neumann, Member of the Alliance 90/The Greens Group in the European Parliament:
There is a lively exchange between Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Poland; for the people in the border regions, Europe is part of everyday life. Many friendships and family ties have developed over time. The current situation is a severe test of strength. That is why we now need quick, pragmatic solutions instead of complete isolation. Measures such as closed borders should be temporary.
The spirit of Europe is particularly evident in the many cross-border projects, meetings and initiatives. The European Union and the member states must therefore ensure that after the end of the Corona crisis Europe can grow together again in the border regions and that people can seamlessly return to their European everyday life".
Further Information
From Poland, about 3400 people commute regularly to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to work. They work in various sectors, including health care and agriculture, but also in tourism. According to experts, thousands of seasonal workers will soon be missing in the state because of the corona crisis.
Communication from the European Commission: Guidelines on the exercise of free movement of workers during the COVID 19 outbreak
Contact for further questions or interview requests to Dr. Hannah Neumann:
Angelika Hild
Parliamentary Assistant
Phone number: (+49) 176 618 464 49