Germany reinstated temporary border checks with France, the Netherlands, and other neighbouring nations to tackle irregular migration and cross-border crime. The government’s coalition has taken a firmer stance on migration due to an influx of arrivals, particularly from the Middle East, and rising support for the far-right and conservatives. Migration experts, however, question the long-term efficacy of these measures, suggesting they are largely symbolic. Hans Vorlaender, chairperson of Germany’s expert council on integration and migration, stated that these controls aim to signal deterrence but are unlikely to provide a sustainable solution. He recommended processing asylum applications at the EU’s external borders instead.
Germany saw a 21.7% drop in asylum applications in the first eight months of the year, a decline Interior Minister Nancy Faeser attributed to the controls introduced last year, which prevented over 30,000 unauthorised entries. However, migration experts argue it is difficult to definitively link the decrease to these measures. The reinstated controls focus on asylum seekers from neighbouring EU countries, adhering to the EU’s Dublin rules, which mandate that asylum applications be processed in the first EU country of arrival. Marc Speer from bordermonitoring.eu noted that only 30% of asylum applications in Germany fall under Dublin cases. Marcus Engler, a researcher at the German Center for Integration and Migration Research, said migration patterns are influenced by various factors, including political developments in migrants’ home countries and changes in EU and national policies. Engler highlighted the difficulty in scientifically assessing the impact of these border controls on irregular migration.
Germany remains committed to EU asylum laws, which require individual procedures for asylum claims—a significant factor in refugees’ destination choices, according to Maximilian Pichl, an asylum law professor at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. He also pointed out the role of existing migration networks and communities in Germany in attracting migrants.
Germany reintroduced temporary border checks including at its frontiers with France and the Netherlands as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime https://t.co/ayRpPzLR4S pic.twitter.com/AoZ4sgPF9T
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 16, 2024
The checks now cover northern and western borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark, adding to existing controls with Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. Traffic at these borders was reported to be flowing smoothly on Monday. However, the new controls have faced criticism from neighbours like Poland and Austria. Critics argue these measures threaten the EU’s principle of free movement and could undermine solidarity within the bloc. Federal police will conduct flexible checks to minimise disruptions to commuters, travellers, and trade, but experts warn that limited policing resources and selective checks could lead to racial profiling. Pichl stated that such checks often target people of colour, which could result in racial profiling. The German interior ministry reiterated that racially motivated police actions are unacceptable and unlawful.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Germany has reinstated land border checks to curb migration and combat crime, sparking criticism in Brussels, with officials urging travelers to be prepared for spot checks. (Read more)
- AP News reports that Germany has expanded border checks to all nine land borders to combat irregular migration and criminal activity, challenging the EU’s Schengen Agreement principles. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why has Germany reintroduced border checks with neighboring countries?
Germany reintroduced border checks to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime.
Which countries are affected by Germany’s new border controls?
The countries include France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
What has been the impact of previous border controls on asylum applications in Germany?
There has been a 21.7% drop in asylum applications in the first eight months of the year.
What are the main criticisms of the reintroduced border checks?
Critics argue they jeopardize EU free movement, risk racial profiling, and may only offer short-term deterrence.
How will the new border checks be implemented to minimize disruptions?
Federal police will carry out flexible, selective checks focusing on minimizing disruptions to commuters, travelers, and trade.