Germany has announced plans to extend its internal border checks with Czechia, Poland, and Switzerland until December 15, citing concerns over irregular migration and human smuggling.
Ongoing Necessity
The spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Interior stated in a news conference held in Berlin that Minister Nancy Faeser believes it is necessary to prolong the temporary border controls for an additional month.
The European Commission will soon be informed of the extension.
Germany implemented stricter border control measures with its three neighboring countries earlier this year.
According to the Ministry spokesperson, these controls have already proven effective, which is why it is important to maintain them.
Focus Remains on Polish Border
The Ministry said that robust measures must remain in place along the Polish border specifically for as long as needed.
Internal border checks with Poland were introduced on October 16. Since then, authorities have prevented about 1,100 individuals from unlawfully entering Germany.
There has also been an elevated number of migrants attempting irregular crossings at the German-Swiss border.
According to federal police data, a total of 98,000 migrants were apprehended in October 2023 alone when trying to enter Germany unlawfully.
Early Success Against Smuggling
While officials say it is still too early to determine whether the extended border checks will lead to an overall reduction in irregular entries, they have already contributed to identifying human smugglers.
Since controls with Switzerland were implemented, 15 suspected smugglers have been arrested there.
Across all borders, German police have apprehended 230 alleged smugglers following the expanded checks.
Wider European Trend
Germany is not the only Schengen member state to have temporary border controls in effect.
Austria, Poland, Czechia, and Finland also currently have checks in place along some borders.
Last month, for example, Austria announced it would be keeping controls along its borders with Hungary and Slovenia for an additional six months until May 2024.
Austria's Interior Ministry stated that the measures aim to combat terrorism and human trafficking.
Similarly, Czechia and Poland have both prolonged their existing border checks with Slovakia through early 2024.
What About Visitors?
The expanded border checks could lead to more scrutiny of visitors to Germany and delays at borders.
This includes those traveling on a Schengen visa as well as future ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) holders after the system launches in May 2025.
Families, students, remote workers, and other long-term visitors may encounter questioning about the purpose and length of their stay.
While the ETIAS will facilitate immigration pre-screening, heightened border controls could add an extra layer of complexity.
Shifting Policy Priorities
As Germany and other EU nations grapple with continued irregular migration, security concerns seem to be taking priority over freedom of movement across Schengen zone borders.
The repeated extensions of border controls reflect wider policy aims to strictly limit inflows of migrants and crack down on smuggling networks.
However, striking the right balance with civil liberties and EU unity faces challenges ahead.
What Lies Ahead?
With migration flows continuing to present challenges for European countries, Germany and its neighbors are among those relying on temporary border checks to address immediate security concerns.
Officials have stated that controls seem to be yielding some initial successes against smuggling.
It remains to be seen whether extended measures will effectively reduce irregular migration in the long run while maintaining a balance with civil liberties.