Germany Extends Border Controls Amidst Election Campaign
Introduction
As Germany grapples with the issue of illegal immigration, the government has announced the extension of border controls at all its external borders. The move, initially implemented in March 2020, will remain in place until September 15, 2023.
Rationale for Border Controls
The German government justifies the border controls as a measure to combat irregular migration, prevent Islamist terrorism, and curb cross-border crime. The controls, implemented in response to increased illegal crossings and security concerns, have been in effect since September 2022.
Implementation of Border Controls
In addition to existing controls on the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, Germany has extended controls to the borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The French-German border has also been subject to controls since July 2022 in preparation for the Paris Olympics.
Effectiveness of Border Controls
According to the Interior Ministry, the border controls have resulted in:
- Apprehension of around 1,900 smugglers
- Detection of approximately 80,000 unauthorized entries
- Rejection of roughly 47,000 individuals due to forged documents or lack of visas
Criticism and Legal Implications
The extension of border controls has drawn criticism from some quarters, with accusations of electioneering ahead of the upcoming Bundestag elections. The Interior Ministry has denied these allegations, stating that the extension is necessary and compliant with EU regulations.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the legality of the border controls, particularly the rejection of asylum seekers at the border. Germany is obligated under international law to process asylum applications, and the blanket rejection of asylum seekers may violate these obligations.
Union’s Stance on Border Controls
The conservative Union parties, including the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), have advocated for stricter border controls and the rejection of asylum seekers at the border. Their proposal, backed by the Alternative for Germany (AfD), was met with widespread disapproval and legal challenges.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has dismissed the Union’s plans as incompatible with European law. However, Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has cited Article 72 of the EU Treaty, which grants precedence to national law in cases of public security and order.
Conclusion
The extension of border controls in Germany underscores the ongoing debate over illegal immigration and national security. While the government maintains that the measures are necessary, critics argue that they violate international law and are driven by political considerations. As the Bundestag elections approach, the issue of border controls is likely to remain a central focus of the campaign.
