Germany extends temporary border controls with EU neighbours

The German authorities have extended border controls for another six months to prevent illegal migration.

The prolongation of these controls, which were due to run out in March, was announced by Chancellor Olaf Scolz, Caliber.Az reports citing German media outlets.

“We remain consistent in our fight against irregular migration. Today, we have once again ordered a six-month extension of temporary controls at all German borders and informed the European Commission,” he stated.

Scholz also noted that since the implementation of border controls, 47,000 cases of illegal entry into the country have been prevented.

Border controls are generally not permitted within the European Schengen Area. If they are to be implemented as an exception, the EU Commission must be notified.

Last September, Germany expanded its ongoing border checks in the east and south of the country to include borders with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. These stationary controls were justified by concerns over illegal immigration, protection against Islamist terrorism, and cross-border crime.

As Caliber.Az recalls, the decision follows heightened political tensions surrounding the migration debate, as Bundestag parties clashed in January during negotiations over a proposed bill aimed at tightening Germany’s migration policies. These disputes have also resulted in shifting political alliances and loyalties in Berlin.

By Nazrin Sadigova