Germany’s ongoing internal border checks have ignited a heated discussion about the future of Europe's border-free travel zone.
Green politicians are challenging these measures, claiming they violate the spirit of the Schengen agreement and could have far-reaching effects on European unity.
A clash over open borders
In October 2023, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser introduced stationary border controls at crossings with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
These checks were added to existing controls at the Austrian border, which had been in place since 2015.
The German government said these measures aim to curb irregular migration and fight human smuggling.
Faeser has praised the effectiveness of these border checks, stating, “For me, the border controls will remain as long as necessary. We have achieved great success in reducing irregular migration [and] the fight against smugglers has been very effective.”
However, not everyone agrees with this assessment. German Green politicians have voiced their concerns in an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The letter, signed by prominent figures including MEPs Anna Cavazzini and Erik Marquardt, challenges the legality and effectiveness of these border controls.
Questioning the numbers
The Green politicians argue that the success of these border controls is not as clear-cut as the Interior Ministry claims.
Their letter cites a new expert report, stating, “A new expert opinion shows that the intended effect of border controls and the success reports related to them are very questionable and often not statistically proven.”
The report suggests that instead of stopping irregular migration, these controls might be causing people to use alternative routes.
It also points out the possibility of double-counting in the statistics and raises concerns about illegal rejections at the borders.
This disagreement over the effectiveness of border controls highlights the complex nature of managing migration in the European Union (EU).
It also underscores the tension between national security concerns and the EU’s commitment to free movement.
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A threat to Schengen?
The Schengen Agreement, which allows for passport-free travel across most of Europe, is a cornerstone of European integration.
The Green politicians argue that Germany’s actions, along with similar measures taken by seven other EU countries, violate the Schengen borders code.
They emphasize that while temporary controls for events like the European Football Championship or the Olympic Games are understandable, long-term stationary border checks go against the spirit of Schengen.
The letter states, “There should be an exit from the partly years-long stationary border controls at the end of these events.”
This situation raises questions about the future of the Schengen area. If more countries follow Germany’s lead and implement long-term border controls, it could chip away at one of the EU's fundamental freedoms — the right to move freely within the bloc.
Extended border controls in the future
Despite the Green politicians’ objections, it seems that Germany’s border controls might be here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
Faeser has indicated that the checks could remain in place until the new European asylum system takes effect, which might not be until the end of 2025.
This extended timeline has sparked concerns among those who value open borders within the EU.
They worry that what started as a temporary measure could become the new normal, fundamentally changing how people move within Europe.
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Travelers and migrants in limbo
For short-term visitors to the EU, these border controls might mean longer wait times when crossing between certain countries.
While the Schengen visa still allows travel between member states, the reality on the ground could be more complicated, with unexpected checks and delays.
Long-term visitors and migrants face even more uncertainty.
The increased border controls could make it more difficult for people to move between EU countries, even if they have the right to do so. This could affect everything from job opportunities to family reunifications.
These changes come as the EU prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025. ETIAS will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorization.
While not directly related to the border controls, ETIAS represents another layer of security and could interact with these measures in ways that are yet to be seen.
Immigration policy shifts amid border debate
Germany’s actions could have a ripple effect on immigration policies across the EU.
If other countries follow suit and implement similar controls, it could lead to a patchwork of border policies across the continent. This fragmentation could make it more challenging for the EU to implement a unified approach to immigration.
On the other hand, the controversy surrounding these border controls might push the EU to speed up its efforts to reform its asylum and migration policies.
The new European asylum system, mentioned by Faeser, aims to create a more balanced approach to handling asylum seekers and irregular migrants.
However, the debate over border controls highlights the ongoing tension between national sovereignty and EU-wide solutions.
As countries like Germany prioritize national security concerns, it becomes more challenging to implement policies that work for all member states.
A crossroads for Europe
While there are no easy answers, one thing is clear: the discussion about border controls is about more than just security or migration.
It is about the kind of Europe people want to live in — one with open borders and free movement, or one where national security takes precedence. As the continent grapples with these questions, the world watches to see what path Europe will choose.