BERLIN — In a move reflective of ongoing concerns about migration, Germany’s outgoing administration announced on Wednesday the extension of border checks by an additional six months. These measures, originally implemented last autumn, are part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of migrants and have become a key topic in the lead-up to the upcoming election set for February 23.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that the European Union’s executive commission had been informed of the decision, which now extends the checks until September 15. He emphasized that these border controls have been effective in reducing irregular migration. “The figures prove this,” he remarked, noting that Germany successfully turned away 47,000 individuals at its borders, leading to a one-third reduction in asylum applications compared to the previous year. The authorities also apprehended around 1,900 suspected smugglers.
Prior to this extension, Germany was already monitoring its borders with neighboring countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. In September, the scope of these checks was widened to include borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
Within the framework of the European Union, there exists a Schengen area that promotes visa-free travel among most member countries, allowing easy movement for work and leisure. Notably, Switzerland participates in Schengen even though it is not an EU member.
The EU regulations permit member states to reintroduce temporary border controls during significant security threats. However, these measures are intended to be a last resort and should be time-limited as per the EU’s guidelines.
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition and a prominent candidate in the forthcoming election, has argued for more stringent measures. He has stated that upon taking office, he would instruct the Interior Ministry to enforce permanent border controls throughout Germany and advocate for an absolute rejection of illegal entry attempts. Merz criticized the current EU regulations as “recognizably dysfunctional” and called for a reaffirmation of Germany’s right to national legal supremacy.
In contrast, Chancellor Scholz has warned that Merz’s proposed actions could conflict with both German and EU laws, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the European Union’s largest member state.
