Germany to Reinstate Border Controls at All Land Borders Starting September 16
Germany has announced plans to reintroduce temporary internal border controls at all its land borders, starting on September 16. This move aims to enhance national security and tackle the rise in irregular migration and initially will last for six months with the option of being renewed.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser revealed that the border checks will remain in effect for an initial period of six months. The focus will be on preventing unauthorised entries and addressing security threats, especially in light of increased warnings from Islamist terror groups.
Although the border controls are not yet in place, Germany has already notified the European Commission of its decision.
Once implemented, the checks will affect Germany's land borders with Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. These countries share over 3,700 kilometres of border with Germany.
Germany has already been conducting border checks at its borders with Austria, Czechia, Poland, and Switzerland. These measures, which were originally temporary, have been repeatedly extended due to growing concerns over irregular migration and security threats.
The current border controls were set to expire on December 15, but with the new measures in place, checks will now last until mid-March 2025.
Mixed Reactions from Neighbouring Countries
While Germany views these measures as essential, not all neighbouring countries are pleased.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner made it clear that Austria will not accept migrants turned away by Germany, stating there’s no flexibility on the matter.
Similarly, the Czech Interior Ministry spokesperson Hana Malá expressed concerns that Germany’s actions could trigger a ripple effect, leading to more border checks throughout the Schengen Area. She also warned that the controls would likely result in delays at border crossings.
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