A-Z of EU membership harmonization: Eastern Border

Poland - besides Finland - will be responsible for the control of the longest (around 1,100 km) section of the external border of the EU with Russia (Kaliningrad District), Belarus and Ukraine. On July 1, 2003 Poland will introduce visas for the citizens of these states. The Eastern and Northern border will be tightened according to EU standards. Professional staff will replace conscripted soldiers acting as border guards. The number of those keeping an eye on the border will be increased by one third to around 18,000. At least every 20 kilometres there will be a watch tower equipped with modern observation systems. Rzeczpospolita, Dec. 14-15, p. A3) P.W.