Luxembourg Objects to Extended German Border Controls at EU Commission
Luxembourg has formally objected to Germany’s decision to extend border controls within the EU, arguing that the legal justification is insufficient and that the Schengen Agreement must be upheld.
Luxembourg’s Position
Interior Minister Léon Gloden announced in parliament that Luxembourg will file a complaint with the EU Commission this month. Luxembourg believes that Germany’s reasoning, citing the need to address irregular migration, is not legally sound, as illegal migration to Germany has actually declined in recent months.
Minister Gloden emphasized the importance of the Schengen Agreement and its principle of free movement within the Schengen area. He noted that over 230,000 commuters cross the Luxembourg border daily, and extended border controls pose significant disruptions.
Opposition to Border Controls
The Luxembourg government has consistently opposed Germany’s border controls, which have been in place since 2016. The government had previously considered a legal challenge before the European Court of Justice but ultimately decided that it would be ineffective due to the lengthy judicial process.
Germany’s Rationale
Germany has justified the extension of border controls based on concerns over irregular migration and the need to prevent terrorism. However, critics argue that these justifications are exaggerated and disproportionate to the actual risks.
Criticisms from Saarland
Anke Rehlinger, the Minister-President of Saarland, a state bordering Germany and Luxembourg, has also expressed concerns about the extended border controls. She fears that the controls may escalate in severity, causing further disruption to cross-border movement.
Schengen Implications
The Schengen Agreement, which abolished internal border controls within most EU member states, is a cornerstone of European integration. However, the prolonged border controls by Germany and other member states have raised questions about the integrity of the agreement.
EU Commission’s Role
The EU Commission has the responsibility to assess the legality and proportionality of border controls within the Schengen area. Luxembourg’s complaint will put pressure on the Commission to scrutinize Germany’s justifications and ensure compliance with Schengen principles.
Potential Consequences
If the EU Commission finds Germany’s border controls to be unlawful or disproportionate, it could order Germany to cease the controls. This would be a significant setback for Germany’s migration policy and could further erode trust in the Schengen Agreement.
Conclusion
Luxembourg’s objection to Germany’s extended border controls highlights the ongoing tensions between national security concerns and the fundamental principles of free movement within the EU. The EU Commission’s response will be closely watched as it seeks to balance these competing interests and uphold the integrity of the Schengen Agreement.
