Germany has announced the temporary reintroduction of border controls across all its land borders, according to Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The controls, set to begin on September 16, are expected to last for an initial period of six months. This move, made without prior consultation with Brussels or other EU capitals, has raised concerns about potential conflicts with neighboring countries.
Journalist Aleksandra Fedorska, speaking on Radio Wnet, highlighted that Germany’s efforts to deport undocumented individuals have not been sufficient in the government’s view, despite already expelling 30,000 people since October. Faeser emphasized that the controls aim to make deportations more efficient, with individuals unable to present valid residency documents facing immediate expulsion.
Fedorska warned of potential conflicts arising from this policy, particularly with neighboring countries like Poland, France, and Austria. Austria has already stated it will not accept deportees from Germany. In discussions with opposition parties and federal states, legal frameworks for more effective deportations are still being ironed out.
The decision follows stricter deportation rules imposed by Germany in recent months, especially targeting migrants with criminal records. The country has been grappling with migration challenges since welcoming over a million refugees from Syria in 2015-2016, and again after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.