In a decisive move to address rising concerns over irregular migration and the threat of Islamist extremism, Germany has announced the implementation of temporary border controls at all land crossings.
The measures, announced by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, will begin on 16th September and are set to last for six months.
Germany will now monitor crossings from France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, extending controls that had already been placed on the borders with Poland, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The interior ministry has notified the European Union of its decision, ensuring the move complies with Schengen Area regulations, which allow temporary reimposition of borders during times of heightened security concerns.
Faeser explained the rationale behind the stringent measures, noting an uptick in irregular migration and growing concerns around extremist elements entering the country. “We must safeguard the security of our citizens and prevent further exploitation of our borders by criminal networks and extremist groups,” she said.
Crime in Germany has increased significantly, with 2023 seeing a notable rise in violent crime, reaching its highest levels in 15 years. Violent crime rose by 8.6%, including a sharp increase in bodily harm incidents. Overall, crime figures climbed by 5.5%, with irregular migration also playing a role in the spike. According to official German reports, nearly 41% of suspects in criminal cases were foreign nationals, with unauthorised entries into Germany increasing by 40% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Factors like post-pandemic mobility and societal tensions have contributed to this surge.
While Germany has long advocated for open borders within the Schengen Zone, the increasing strain from irregular migrants crossing its borders and recent incidents linked to Islamist extremism have forced the government to take more robust action. The temporary controls will see increased police and border patrols at key crossings, supported by technological systems to monitor traffic flow and detect irregular entry.
The move has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to maintain public safety and order, especially in light of a growing number of illegal crossings. However, critics worry that this could disrupt cross-border trade and tourism, as well as signal a broader shift in Germany’s traditionally open-border stance within the EU.
German officials have assured that legitimate travel will not be unduly impacted. “These measures are designed to target specific threats and will be temporary,” Faeser emphasised, noting that regular travellers and commercial traffic will experience minimal delays.
This development comes as part of Germany’s broader efforts to modernise its security apparatus, with increased investment in border technology, intelligence-sharing within the EU, and enhanced cooperation with neighbouring countries. As Europe continues to grapple with issues of migration and security, Germany’s temporary controls may well set the tone for how other EU member states address similar challenges in the coming months.
For now, the German government hopes the six-month window will allow it to mitigate the immediate risks while working toward a more permanent solution to the complex issues surrounding migration and national security.
Germany is imposing checks at all borders – The Times . Again proves we were right to leave the EU because open borders is a danger to national security
The brexiteers were called all nasty names for wanting to leave the EU- the remainers owe us an apology! 60% of Christians voted to leave the EU because the EU rebuilt the Tower of Babel
Excellent point but where exactly was the tower rebuilt?
Was it that cucumber shaped monstrosity in the City of London where the millionaires and other WEF types go to worship?