Germany introduced stricter border checks on all its land borders starting September 16th.
The goal is to reduce illegal immigration and improve security, though this raises concerns about how it might affect the EU’s free movement policy.
Government announces new border control measures
On September 9th, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced plans to increase border checks at Germany’s nine land borders for six months, focusing on screening foreign nationals.
“We want to further reduce irregular migration,” Faeser stated. “Until we achieve strong protection of the EU’s external borders with the new Common European Asylum System, we need to strengthen controls at our national borders.”
Germany has informed the European Commission about using Article 25 of the Schengen Border Code, which allows temporary border checks.
Faeser also mentioned plans to hold asylum seekers near the borders while checking if they were registered in another EU country, aiming to complete this process within five weeks for possible returns under the Dublin Regulation.
Mixed reactions from EU member states
Germany’s decision got mixed reactions from other European countries. Some supported it, while others worried about how it might affect EU rules on free movement.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the move “unacceptable” and suggested focusing on securing the external EU borders instead.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that Austria would not take in people rejected by Germany.
Italian Undersecretary Wanda Ferro praised Germany for aligning with Italy’s stance on immigration control.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sarcastically welcomed Germany to the “#Stop Migration club” on social media.
(Image courtesy of Maarten Sepp via Wikimedia Commons)
Civil society organizations express alarm
Human rights groups and refugee advocates criticized Germany’s plans as potentially harmful and ineffective.
PRO ASYL, a refugee advocacy group, warned of possible “mass pushbacks” at German borders.
Amnesty International Germany and 26 other organizations expressed concern that the measures could harm European unity. They urged Germany to respect European legal standards and uphold human rights.
Meanwhile, the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suggested suspending asylum applications using Article 72 of the EU treaty. This led to legal debates about emergency powers and changes to EU asylum laws.
Challenges ahead for tourists and migrants
Germany’s stricter border controls will affect short-term and long-term visitors to the EU, as well as migrants. Travelers may experience longer wait times and more thorough checks at border crossings.
The changes come ahead of the EU’s planned launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025.
The ETIAS will require visa-exempt visitors to get pre-travel approval before entering the Schengen Area.
For migrants and asylum seekers, the new policies could make it harder to enter Germany or apply for protection there. Those who have already registered in other EU countries might be sent back more quickly under the Dublin Regulation.
(Image courtesy of Reinhard Krull via iStock)
Tightened border controls from other EU nations
Germany’s decision puts pressure on other EU countries to rethink their own border policies. This shift could possibly lead to more nations adopting similar measures.
This move challenges key EU principles, like free movement within the Schengen Area. It may also complicate efforts to create a unified EU asylum system and share responsibility fairly among member states.
Since Germany is a major player in EU politics, its stance on migration could shape future discussions on reforming EU immigration and asylum policies.
Balancing security and European values
Germany’s decision to tighten border controls signals a significant change in how it handles migration and works with the EU.
While it is meant to improve security and reduce illegal immigration, it raises concerns about the future of European unity and shared values.
Over the next six months, policymakers, civil society groups, and EU institutions will closely watch the effects of these controls.
The main challenge will be balancing national security with maintaining free movement and protecting human rights, which are key parts of the European project.