Germany Expands Border Controls: What You Need to Know
Germany is taking new steps to strengthen its internal security by expanding temporary border controls to all of its land borders. This decision comes amid growing concerns over irregular migration and recent political developments. Let’s break down what this means, why it’s happening, and how it could impact Germany and its neighboring countries.
Border Controls on All Land Borders
Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, recently announced that the country will extend its existing border controls to all land borders. Previously, only certain borders were subject to these checks, but starting September 16, the controls will be expanded to include borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. These controls are expected to last for at least six months.
Faeser stressed that Germany will work closely with neighboring countries to ensure that the new measures cause minimal disruption to border regions. “We are strengthening our internal security through concrete action and we are continuing our tough stance against irregular migration,” Faeser stated during a press conference.
Balancing Security and Everyday Life
One of the key concerns is how these controls will affect the daily lives of people living in border areas, especially commuters. Faeser assured that the government is mindful of these concerns and aims to reduce the impact as much as possible. She emphasized the importance of cooperation with neighboring countries, stating, “It is important for us to act in close partnership with our neighbors and to minimize the impact on commuters and everyday life in border regions.”
Why Now? Political and Social Context
Germany’s decision to expand border controls comes at a time when the country is grappling with increased public concern over migration. A recent knife attack by a Syrian asylum seeker in Solingen has sparked a renewed debate over migration policies. As a result, the German government, led by the center-left coalition, has been in talks with the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to find ways to address these concerns.
Adding to the pressure, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made significant gains in recent state elections, coming second in Saxony and winning in Thuringia. The rise of the AfD has further intensified the public’s focus on migration issues.
With state elections in Brandenburg just around the corner, where Faeser’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) governs in coalition with the Greens and CDU, the government is under increased scrutiny to show it’s taking decisive action.
Germany’s Borders and the Schengen Agreement
Germany shares more than 3,700 kilometers of land borders with countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Normally, under the Schengen Agreement, free movement is allowed between these countries without the need for border checks.
However, in exceptional circumstances, EU member states can temporarily reintroduce border controls, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic or following security concerns. Berlin had already imposed stricter controls on its borders with Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, which has resulted in the return of 30,000 migrants since October 2023.
The Road Ahead: Will European Unity Be Tested?
While the expanded border controls aim to curb irregular migration, they could also pose a challenge to European unity. If Germany requests neighboring countries to take back significant numbers of asylum seekers, tensions may rise. Austria has already voiced its opposition, with Foreign Minister Gerhard Karner stating, “There’s no room for maneuver there. It’s the law. I have directed the head of the federal police to not allow any returns.”
Germany’s actions could potentially set a precedent for other European countries, testing the strength of the Schengen Agreement and the broader European Union’s migration policies.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Security and Cooperation
As Germany moves forward with these expanded border controls, the government faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with the need for cooperation among European neighbors. The success of these measures will depend on how well Germany can navigate its relationships with neighboring countries and the broader European community while addressing its internal challenges.