Overview

• On August 5, Woidke formally urged the German federal government to allocate special fund resources to electrify and double-track the Berlin–Küstrin line.
• The route currently remains partially single-track and lacks electrification on the German side, limiting capacity for passenger and freight service.
• Germany has conducted spot checks at its Polish border since October 2023, intensified in May, and Poland reciprocated in July, causing significant traffic and commuter delays.
• Woidke and Polish Ambassador Jan Tombinski called for streamlined joint controls to preserve Schengen freedom of movement and reduce cross-border delays.
• Brandenburg officials say the upgraded rail link would energize the Oder region’s economy and complement broader EU infrastructure priorities delayed by postponed asylum reforms.