Germany reintroduces temporary controls on borders, irks neighbours

Germany on Monday (Sep16) reintroduced temporary controls on its western and northern borders to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime. According to the government, the border checks would now apply at Germany's land borders withFrance, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark for an initial six months.

The restrictions were already in placeat crossings with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the border controls were part of a series of measures that the government has taken to toughen its stanceon irregular migration following a surge in arrivals.

Police to conduct border checks flexibly

The German interior ministry said on Monday that the Federal Police wouldconduct the border checks flexibly,basing their actions on the current security situation and focusing on minimising disruption to commuters, travellers, and trade.

Travellers are advised by the ministry to carry valid identification, and non-EU (European Union) citizens should have their entry documents, including visas, ready for checks.

The temporary border controls mark a further setback to free movement within the EU.

Germany's neighbours criticise measure

The measures have prompted criticism fromGermany's neighbours.Reuters reported that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called forurgent consultations with other affected countries which fear having to absorb more asylum seekers and the impact on trade.

Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer warned that if Germanyintroduced measures to send more immigrants back across their shared border, Austria would reciprocate by sending more people eastward towards the Balkans.

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Border checks with Austria are scheduled to run until November 11. On the other hand, inspections at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland are planned to run till December 15.

'Border controls blocked over 30k unauthorised entries'

The border controlscome against a backdrop of declining asylum applications inGermany, which fell by 21.7 per centin the first eight months of 2024.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the numbers had fallen, thanks in part to controls introduced last year, which blocked over 30,000 unauthorised entries.

"That is why we will expand our temporary border control to include all ofGermany's land borders, as I ordered today," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement.

"My order is also intended to protect against the acute threat of Islamist extremist terrorism and serious cross-border crime," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)