(MENAFN) Poland has resumed operations at two major border checkpoints with Belarus after years-long closures driven by worsening bilateral relations, local media reported Monday.

The crossings at Kuznica and Bobrowniki — both in the country’s northeast — were restored following authorities’ efforts at “securing the border,” where large groups of migrants have repeatedly attempted to enter Poland, media reported, citing the Interior Ministry.

Kuznica was originally shut in November 2021 after Warsaw accused Belarus of orchestrating mass attempts by migrants to breach the frontier. The Bobrowniki checkpoint was closed in February 2023 after a Belarusian court sentenced Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut to prison.

Officials said the government consulted local administrations and business owners, many of whom had pressed for reopening at least one road link with Belarus to ease regional economic strain.

In October, Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested the border might reopen “on a trial basis” and only after coordination with Lithuania.

Before Monday’s decision, the Terespol–Brest route had been the sole option for passenger traffic.

Under the updated rules, the Kuznica–Bruzgi crossing will process only passenger vehicles, excluding buses, while Bobrowniki–Bierestovitsa will accommodate cars, buses, and freight traffic, according to the report.

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