In response to escalating migrant arrivals, several EU countries have reintroduced border checks within the Schengen zone – a region normally characterised by free movement. The measures, permitted under Schengen rules as a last resort to address significant threats to internal security or public policy, reflect growing concerns over migration and terrorism.
Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and Finland have all reinstated or intensified border controls.
EU officials worry the moves risk creating logistical and economic disruptions, and are urging member states to work together to avoid uncoordinated policies that could disrupt both travel and trade in the Schengen area.
Germany has announced plans for tighter border controls at all nine of its land borders starting on 16 September.
"We want to further reduce irregular migration. To this end, we are now taking further steps that go beyond the comprehensive measures currently in place," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Monday.
"Until we achieve stronger border protection with the joint European asylum system, we must further protect our national borders."
Germany's move, which will initially last six months, follows a knife attack in Solingen linked to a suspected asylum seeker with ties to the Islamic State armed group.
The decision has caused tensions with its neighbours, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk calling the move "unacceptable" and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner saying his country would not accept any asylum seekers rejected at Germany's borders.
Luxembourg has expressed concern about potential disruptions to cross-border traffic, with the government pledging to minimise negative impacts on commuters.
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Temporary controls
Other countries are also adjusting their policies. Austria has reinstated checks at its borders with Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary, citing pressures on its asylum system and security threats related to the Ukraine conflict.
The controls will last until mid-November or December 2024, depending on the border.
France has implemented border checks with Schengen countries until 31 October, blaming pressures on its asylum system and heightened terrorism threats, while Italy has extended its checks with Slovenia until 18 December because of issues related to the Ukraine war.
Denmark has introduced checks on land and sea transit from Germany until 11 November, citing security threats linked to the Gaza conflict and Russian espionage concerns.
Norway, which is part of the Schengen zone but not an EU member, has reinstated checks at ports with ferry connections to Schengen areas until 11 November due to threats from Russian intelligence operations.
Slovenia has reintroduced checks with Croatia and Hungary until 21 December, citing increased security threats from the Middle East and organised crime in the Western Balkans.
Sweden has tightened its border controls until 11 November in response to increased violence risks following the Gaza conflict.
Finland has closed crossing stations on its land border with Russia indefinitely, alleging a surge of asylum seekers orchestrated by Moscow. Helsinki has also restricted several ports to travel from Russia.
