Germany will keep the Border Controls with Poland. The police will check the passers-by

The German Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, announced that border controls at the border with Poland, as well as with Che and, Austria and Switzerland, will proceed until illegal migration is importantly reduced. This decision, which was initially to apply until 15 December 2024, is likely to be extended until the improvement of the European asylum strategy enters into force.

Faeser stresses that maintaining control is essential to effectively combat illegal migration and human smuggling. As she noted, ‘border controls are effective’, which justifies their extension.

What does it mean to proceed to control abroad residents?

The decision to keep border controls was criticised by any members of the Green organization in the European Parliament, the Bundestag and the parliaments of the German national states. In an open letter to the president of the European Commission, Ursuli von der Leyen, critics indicate that controls are “a burden for people and companies in border regions”. They argue that they lead to delays, logistical complications and increased costs for companies operating in these areas.

How did you decide to keep control?

Stationary checks at the German borders with Poland, Czech Republic and Switzerland were introduced in mid-October 2023. Earlier, akin measures had been applied on the Austrian border since 2015, erstwhile Europe faced a exile crisis. The decision to extend them is simply a reaction to the continuing influx of illegal migrants who are trying to cross the border to Germany.

Nancy Faeser has repeatedly stressed that effective border control is essential to guarantee safety in the region and prevent human smugglers. In her opinion, although these measures may be burdensome, they are essential to accomplish the objectives of reducing illegal migration and protecting German borders.

What are the prospects for the future?

Border checks may stay in force until the improvement of the European asylum strategy enters into force. Germany, like another European Union countries, is working to improve the system, which will let for a fairer and more effective distribution of refugees between associate States. Until then, checks may be regularly extended, which will have a direct impact on the situation in border regions, both on the German and Polish sides.

The decision to keep border controls at the border with Poland, Cze i, Austria and Switzerland by the German Ministry of the Interior raises controversy and discussions. Despite criticism, these actions are justified by the authorities as essential to combat illegal migration and human smuggling. The future of these checks depends mostly on the effectiveness of the improvement of the European asylum system, which the European Union is inactive waiting for.