Germany is set to implement temporary border controls at all of its land borders, as announced by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. This decision expands existing checks already in place at some borders and is aimed at enhancing internal security and curbing irregular migration.
The new controls will take effect on September 16 and are expected to last for an initial period of six months. Faeser emphasized the importance of collaborating closely with neighboring countries to minimize the impact on commuters and daily life in border regions. “We are strengthening our internal security through concrete action and we are continuing our tough stance against irregular migration,” she stated during a press conference.
The controls will be enforced at borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, in addition to existing measures at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. Faeser noted that more than 30,000 individuals have been turned away at these borders since the partial controls were introduced last year.
This move comes amid rising public concern over migration, particularly following a recent knife attack in Solingen perpetrated by a Syrian asylum seeker. The German government has been consulting with the main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), regarding strategies to address migration issues.
The announcement also follows a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained traction in recent state elections. As the coalition government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz prepares for upcoming elections, migration policy remains a critical point of contention.
Germany’s decision to reintroduce border controls is in line with provisions under the Schengen Agreement, which allows member states to impose temporary checks in response to exceptional circumstances. The government has communicated these measures to the European Union, highlighting the need for enhanced border security.