Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced plans to set up temporary controls at all of the country’s land borders in an effort to curb irregular migration. The measures will be extended to borders with France, Luxembourgh, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark for a period of six months, in addition to borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland where controls are already in place. These controls are aimed at reducing irregular migration until stronger protection of the EU’s external borders can be achieved.
Faeser stated that 30,000 people were turned away since Germany implemented partial border controls in 2023, and this number is expected to increase with the extension of controls to all land borders. The decision comes as Germany faces political pressure to take a tougher stance on irregular migration, especially with the recent surge of refugees arriving in the country. The issue has become a key point of political tension, with the far-right party AfD gaining popularity and winning its first state election in Thuringia earlier this month.
The announcement on border controls comes ahead of talks between the government coalition and the main opposition on Germany’s migration policy. The opposition, led by Friedrich Merz, demands clarity on the government’s intention regarding comprehensive refoulement at the country’s external borders. Merz emphasizes the need for a clear and uncompromising approach to rejecting irregular migrants. The upcoming discussions will determine the next steps in Germany’s migration policy as the government seeks to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
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