BERLIN: Germany is all set to extend strict border checks for another 6 months in a bid to curb migration. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on February 12 that the checks will remain in place till September 15. The European Commission has been informed about the extension.
The German government first introduced these border controls last year September to cut illegal immigration and security risks. They were originally set to last 6 months but will now continue past their March deadline.
Since the checks started, Germany stopped as many as 80000 people from entering illegally, arrested 1900 smugglers, and turned away 47000 people due to fake documents or visa issues. "With these border checks, we are successfully preventing illegal migration," Scholz said.
The decision comes as Scholz’s party, the Social Democrats (SPD), faces increasing pressure over security concerns. A series of violent attacks, some linked to migrants and asylum seekers, has made debate about immigration policies. After a deadly attack in Solingen killed 3 people and injured 8 others, Scholz urged to speed up deportations, tighten gun laws, and take stronger action to reduce illegal immigration if necessary.
The move to extend border controls has also become a major political issue ahead of Germany’s upcoming election. Media reports suggest that immigration will be a majort topic in the campaign. Since introducing the checks, asylum requests in Germany have dropped by one-third.
At present, Germany enforces border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. Last September, Germany expanded checks to include France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. These measures impact travel within the Schengen Area, which usually allows free movement between most European countries.
As per European Union rules, member countries can temporarily reintroduce border checks in response to serious threats, but these measures should be rare and limited in time.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, a top candidate in the upcoming election, has said making these border checks permanent if he becomes chancellor. He requested that Germany should control all its borders and prevent illegal entries without exception. He also criticized EU regulations, calling them ineffective, and said national laws should take priority.
However, Scholz disagrees, saying permanent border controls would violate both German and EU laws and could harm European unity. As the election nears, the debate over border policies and migration is likely to remain a major issue.