Immigration Policy -

Germany’s recent decision to extend temporary border controls across all its land borders has sparked a wave of criticism from its neighbours. The move, which is part of Germany’s response to irregular migration, has been labelled “unacceptable” by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and has also been criticised by officials in other countries. The decision highlights growing tensions over migration policies and border management in Europe, as countries grapple with how to handle rising numbers of refugees and migrants. Background to Germany’s decision Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Fieser, announced that from next Monday, border controls will be extended to cover all land borders, including those with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Denmark. Previously, such controls applied to select borders. According to Fieser, the aim is to provide protection against “serious threats posed by Islamist terrorism and serious crime”. Under the new rules, German police will be tasked with checking whether a refugee has already applied for protection in another European Union (EU) country. If they have done so, the process of deporting them will be swiftly initiated.

However, neighbouring countries have not liked the move. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the decision, saying it was taken because of Germany’s internal political conflicts, rather than any genuine border security concern. The criticism reflects wider discontent among European countries, which are concerned about the potential impacts of Germany’s actions on their border policies and migration management.

European neighbours react
Germany’s decision has sparked reactions across the region. Poland, which has been dealing with a surge in illegal crossings on its border with Belarus since 2021, is particularly affected. Tusk has emphasized that Poland’s border policy is focused on countering the “hybrid war” being waged by Belarus and Russia rather than imposing more stringent controls on its borders with other EU countries such as Germany.

Austria has also taken a position on the issue. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced that Austria would not accept any migrants sent back by Germany. “There are no exemptions,” he said, reinforcing a firm stance that Austria will not bear the brunt of Germany’s border policy decisions. Austria, facing its own political pressures with far-right opinion polls ahead of upcoming elections, is unlikely to compromise on its border policies.

Impact on border communities
Communities along the borders are feeling the immediate impact of Germany’s decision. Joris Bengevoord, the mayor of a Dutch town near the German border, described the border checks as a “panic reaction.” He highlighted the delays experienced by residents during the Euro 2024 football championships, when Germany imposed temporary border controls. Such disruptions could become more frequent and affect cross-border trade, travel and daily life for people living in these areas.

Dutch transport groups such as TLN have criticised Germany for undermining the principles of the Schengen Agreement, which allows passport-free travel across much of Europe. They argue that these controls impede the free movement of goods and people, which is the cornerstone of the Schengen area.

Not everyone in the Netherlands is against Germany’s move, however. Some political figures, particularly on the right, see it as a necessary step. Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration Freedom party, expressed his support for Germany’s decision and even suggested that the Netherlands should consider similar measures. Dilan Yesilgoz of the centre-right liberal VVD echoed this sentiment, saying the German plan sends a strong message about controls, even if it is largely symbolic.

Political context in Germany
The decision to increase border controls comes at a politically sensitive time for Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government is facing increasing pressure following poor results in state elections in eastern Germany, where immigration has emerged as a key issue. In Thuringia, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party recently came in first place, highlighting the changing political landscape and growing public concern over migration. Another election is due in Brandenburg in less than two weeks, which further increases the urgency for the government to address these concerns.

The conservative opposition in Germany, led by the CDU/CSU parties, has been strongly critical of the government’s handling of migration. CDU leader Friedrich Merz accused the government of being “hopelessly divided internally” and not taking effective measures to control migration. Opposition parties initially agreed to attend a government-hosted migration summit to discuss next steps, but later backed out of the government’s ‘

In response to the tragic knife attack in Solingen, Germany is set to step up its border controls from September 16. The attack left three people dead, following which the German government has taken a tougher stance on immigration and security.

The suspect in the knife attack in Solingen, a Syrian national who had previously failed in an attempt to get asylum and was facing deportation, has been linked to the Islamic State group, further fuelling the debate over immigration policies. The attack has also intensified the government’s plan to expand border checks, a move initially set to last for six months.

FILE – A German federal police officer stops cars and trucks at a border crossing point between Germany and Czech Republic in Furth am Wald, Germany, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

New border controls announced
German Interior Minister Nancy Fieser announced the new border measures, stressing that the government is committed to addressing irregular migration and enhancing national security. “We are doing everything in our power to protect our country’s people from these threats,” Fieser said. The expanded checks will be implemented at all major border points, including those to Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Austria. Currently, Germany mainly carries out spot checks on roads and trains along its eastern and southern borders.

These new measures come at a time when political tensions have risen. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has made significant gains in recent local elections, topping a poll for the first time since the Nazi era. This political shift has put pressure on the ruling coalition to take a tougher stance on immigration.

Political pressure and responses
The increased border checks are seen by some as a direct response to the growing influence of the AfD. The ruling coalition, led by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and other mainstream parties have been grappling with how to address the rise of the AfD. In the wake of the election results, there has been a notable shift in policy proposals, with some parties advocating stricter immigration measures.

The AfD’s success in regional elections, particularly in eastern Germany, has sparked debate about Germany’s approach to asylum and border management. The party’s rise has fueled calls for more restrictive policies, including a proposal by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to turn away asylum seekers at the border, even if they are eligible for protection based on having passed through other safe EU countries.

Germany’s migration policy context

Germany has historically been a major destination for refugees, particularly during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis when more than one million people, many of them fleeing the conflict in Syria, sought asylum in the country. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has also led to the arrival of 1.2 million Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The Solingen attack has prompted the German government to review and adjust its migration policies. Measures announced include tightening rules for refugees facing deportation, which would end benefits, and resuming the deportation of convicted Afghan criminals. These changes mark a significant shift in Germany’s approach to migration and border security.

International reactions and impact
Neighbouring country Austria has also voiced its opinion on the issue. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said Austria would not accept migrants rejected by Germany, highlighting the growing pressure on European migration policies.

The focus on immigration and border controls has sparked a wider debate about security and integration in Germany. Critics argue that the new measures may be more about addressing political pressures than effectively enhancing security. They suggest that focusing solely on immigration policies may not fully address the underlying issues of radicalisation and violence.

Looking ahead
As Germany implements these new border controls, the impact on both national security and public opinion will be closely monitored. The government’s approach to dealing with the aftermath of the Solingen attack and its response to growing political pressures will shape the future of Germany’s immigration policies and its political landscape.

In conclusion, the strengthening of border controls reflects a broader trend of intensified scrutiny on immigration and security issues in Germany. The response to the Solingen attack underscores the complex interrelationship between security concerns, political pressures, and public sentiment, and highlights the challenges policymakers face in addressing these multifaceted issues.

Tag: Immigration Policy

“Germany’s Border Controls Spark Backlash: Europe’s Unity at Risk”

In response to the tragic knife attack in Solingen,