Germany has reintroduced temporary controls at all of its land borders as part of an effort to limit the entry of individuals without proper visas. The primary objectives of the heightened border checks are to curtail illegal immigration and address concerns related to internal security, such as Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime.
The reimplementation of border controls marks a significant policy shift for Germany, a nation that has been at the forefront of the EU’s border-free Schengen Area. The current measures are temporary but represent a robust approach to mitigating the recent surge in illegal migration.
The German government has officially informed the European Commission about the move, ensuring that the decision aligns with EU regulations, which allow for temporary border checks in cases of significant security threats.
Reports suggest that this action goes beyond migration control, with a clear focus on strengthening internal security. Concerns have been raised in recent months about threats from Islamist extremists and the challenges posed by cross-border criminal networks. These issues, combined with the political and public pressure surrounding migration, have prompted Berlin to take these proactive steps.
Greece’s Reaction to Germany’s Decision
Germany’s decision has not been met without criticism. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the reintroduction of border controls, warning that it could undermine the Schengen Area and its principles. Speaking at a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Vienna, Mitsotakis emphasised that the focus should be on the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, rather than resorting to “situational exceptions” that could hinder free movement within the bloc.
Mitsotakis also pointed out that Greece has been investing substantial resources into guarding its borders, an effort that is supported by the EU, and insisted that this backing should continue. While he refrained from directly criticising Germany’s social and migration policies, he noted that Germany’s attractiveness as a destination for migrants has contributed to the situation.
“The reality is that there are countries in Europe today that attract not only illegal immigrants but also refugees who already hold refugee status in one European country and move—legally—to another European country,” he added. According to him, this is a matter that Germany must address internally without burdening other EU member states.
Sources within the Greek government also suggested that Germany has created its own problem by offering attractive benefits for migrants. They argued that Germany should resolve the issue independently without relying on other EU states to shoulder the burden.
Germany’s Stance on Deportation
The renewed emphasis on border security is part of a broader set of policies aimed at addressing migration. The German government has faced increasing calls from local authorities to step up the deportation of problematic immigrants.
According to DPA, Berlin has now developed a new “model of effective forced return in line with European legislation,” which is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to deport foreign nationals. However, the specifics of this plan have yet to be publicly disclosed.
Currently, deportations at Germany’s land borders occur under limited circumstances. These include cases where individuals have been previously banned from entering the country or have not formally applied for asylum. Since stationary border checks were introduced in October 2023, the Ministry of the Interior reports that over 30,000 people have been denied entry into Germany.
Response to Recent Terror Attacks
The move to tighten border controls comes in the wake of a high-profile terrorist attack in the city of Solingen last month. This incident reignited national debate over migration and deportation policies, with many in Germany calling for stricter rules on both fronts. In response, the government agreed to a package of new measures focused on migration and asylum.
These discussions have also prompted renewed political debate. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for an outright ban on accepting migrants from Syria and Afghanistan. His position is reflective of growing public concerns about security risks associated with individuals from conflict regions.
However, this proposal has been firmly rejected by leading figures within the governing coalition. Social Democratic Party (SPD) Secretary General Kevin Kühnert and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann both argued that such a policy would be unconstitutional and violate Germany’s international obligations under asylum law.
Broader Implications for EU Migration Policy
Germany’s reintroduction of border controls is not an isolated case within the European Union. Several EU member states have already taken similar steps, citing concerns over migration and security. These developments highlight the growing tension within the bloc over how to handle migration, a divisive issue that has exposed fault lines between countries advocating for more open policies and those seeking stricter controls.
The reimposition of controls at national borders raises questions about the future of the Schengen Area, which has long been seen as a symbol of European unity and freedom of movement. However, with member states increasingly prioritising national security over collective EU policies, the durability of the Schengen framework may be tested in the years to come.
Germany’s decision also comes at a time when European institutions are debating reforms to the bloc’s migration and asylum systems. The recent influx of migrants across the Mediterranean and through the Western Balkans has strained the EU’s ability to effectively manage its external borders. As a result, the European Commission has proposed a new Migration Pact, which seeks to balance responsibility and solidarity among member states. Nevertheless, reaching consensus on these issues remains a challenging task, particularly in the face of diverging national interests.
