Germany is set to implement new border controls with several neighbouring countries, including Belgium, as part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and security concerns. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced these measures, stating, "We are continuing to apply our hard line against irregular immigration."
The new controls, scheduled to begin on September 16 and last for six months, will extend to borders with Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark. These measures will complement existing controls at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
Berlin claims to have developed a legal solution "in line with European law," which Interior Minister Faeser is expected to detail further. The government has informed European Union authorities about these exceptional measures, which deviate from the Schengen area's free movement rules.
However, this tightening of border controls could potentially strain Germany's relationships with its neighbours. The ruling coalition has also expressed intentions to increase the number of migrants turned back at German borders, a move that has already drawn criticism from Austria.
The resurgence of asylum and immigration as central political issues in Germany is largely attributed to the recent rise of the far-right AfD party and the emergence of the new left-wing Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), both of which advocate for stricter migration policies. These parties have seen significant success in recent regional elections, putting pressure on the government to take action.
These new border control measures represent Germany's latest attempt to balance security concerns, political pressures, and its commitments within the European Union. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these policies will impact Germany's relationships with its neighbors and its role within the EU.
