Extension of Border Controls at Polish-Brandenburg Border until Autumn
Introduction:
The German government has extended border controls at the Polish-Brandenburg border until September 15th, 2023, to curb illegal immigration. Brandenburg’s Minister of the Interior, Katrin Lange, supports the continuation of the controls, while some residents in the border area criticize the potential delays and traffic congestion caused by the checks.
Background:
Strict border controls have been in place since autumn 2023 in the Brandenburg border region with Poland. The Federal Police reports a decline in illegal border crossings since their implementation. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) emphasized the effectiveness of these measures in suppressing irregular migration.
Support for Extension:
Minister Lange considers the extension of border controls as essential and appropriate. She argues that the checks are crucial in combating illegal migration and smuggling. However, she stresses that the root of the problem lies in the inadequate protection of the EU’s external borders.
Opposition and Criticism:
Despite the support from authorities, some residents and businesses in the border area have voiced concerns about the border controls. They complain about traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Frankfurt (Oder) and along the A12 motorway. Commuters and logistics companies have reported disruptions caused by the checks.
Statistics and Findings:
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the border controls have led to the detection of approximately 80,000 illegal entries, the arrest of 1,900 smugglers, and the rejection of around 47,000 individuals due to forged documents or the absence of visas.
Schengen Area Considerations:
Border controls are generally not permissible within the Schengen area, which promotes free movement of people and goods. However, the controls have been justified based on concerns about illegal immigration, the threat of Islamist terrorism, and transnational crime.
Timeline of Border Controls:
Since September 16th, 2022, the Federal Police has conducted border controls at land borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Random checks have been in place at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland since mid-October 2023. Germany introduced controls at the German-Austrian border in autumn 2015.
Conclusion:
The German government’s decision to extend border controls at the Polish-Brandenburg border reflects a balancing act between security concerns and the potential negative impacts on daily life for those living in the border region. As the EU continues to grapple with migration and security challenges, the effectiveness and necessity of border controls within the Schengen area will remain a subject of ongoing debate.
