Germany has recently introduced new controls at all of its land borders as part of a crackdown on migration, leading to restrictions on the Schengen Zone and causing tensions with its European neighbors. The country has extended existing border controls with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland to now include internal border controls with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
The German government now has the authority to reject individuals at all land borders, with the new rules initially set to last for six months. This move reflects a significant shift in Germany's approach to migration, following the acceptance of over a million new arrivals during the migrant crisis of 2015-2016.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the new measures aim to enhance internal security and combat irregular migration, particularly in response to the threats posed by Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime. The decision has raised concerns among Germany's neighbors and within the European Union.
Poland's Prime Minister expressed strong opposition to the tighter controls at land borders, labeling them as unacceptable and calling for urgent discussions with affected countries. Greece and Austria have also voiced their reluctance to accept migrants rejected by Germany.
Germany's Council for Migration cautioned that the plan may violate EU law and criticized the policy of turning back migrants seeking protection at the country's borders as a form of dangerous populism. The government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has faced criticism for its handling of immigration issues and is now taking steps to address uncontrolled immigration.
The recent security measures come in the aftermath of a fatal attack in Solingen, where a 26-year-old Syrian man with alleged links to ISIS carried out a stabbing incident that resulted in three deaths. The incident has underscored the need for Germany to strengthen its approach to migration and security.
