In a move to bolster national security and combat irregular migration, Germany plans to intensify border checks on travelers from all nine of its neighboring states. While the measure aligns with Schengen rules, experts warn that it could have far-reaching repercussions for both governments and asylum seekers across the European Union (EU).

Germany's decision comes in the wake of recent state election victories by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and a terrorist attack carried out by a suspected failed asylum seeker. The country's center-left federal coalition government, shaken by these developments, believes that fortifying national borders is necessary until a stronger joint European asylum system is established.

Starting next week, Germany will implement more systematic land border checks for a period of six months on individuals entering from Belgium, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Similar controls have already been in place since October 2023 at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and non-EU country Switzerland. These measures have resulted in over 30,000 people being turned away, according to the Interior Ministry.

However, the details of the latest plan, including the frequency and intensity of identity document checks, remain unclear. It is yet to be seen how Germany's proposal will align with Schengen rules and EU law, given the right to seek asylum and the principle of non-refoulement enshrined by both.

The decision by Germany has raised concerns among its neighboring countries, which fear extended waiting times and potential disruptions in cross-border travel. With approximately 240,000 people from neighboring countries commuting to Germany for work, the impact on daily traffic and the economy could be significant.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Germany's announcement as "unacceptable" and pledged to hold urgent consultations with other affected countries. Tusk emphasized the importance of Germany's involvement in safeguarding the EU's external borders rather than increasing controls at their border with Poland.

The issue of what happens to individuals turned away from German borders also remains unresolved. Austria's conservative interior minister, Gerhard Karner, reiterated that his country would not accept any rejected asylum seekers or migrants. This raises the possibility of people being stranded as Germany refuses entry and neighboring countries refuse to take them back.

While the German government aims to decrease irregular migration and reject more asylum seekers, experts warn that this could result in a backlog of individuals trapped in border areas. The strain on border forces and the potential for chaotic scenes at entry points are real concerns.

Moreover, the move by Germany may set a precedent for other EU member states with anti-immigration sentiments. France, the Netherlands, and countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic could follow suit, claiming security threats as a justification for stricter border controls.

Observers note that Germany's stance on immigration has evolved significantly since the 2015 European migrant crisis. The current measures reflect a political response to security anxieties among voters, rather than a comprehensive solution to the threats cited by the government. While the push for strengthened borders may mollify public expectations, it is unlikely to fully prevent all irregular arrivals.

Germany's decision presents a challenging situation for the EU, where migration and asylum policies are still being shaped. The coming weeks will likely determine the extent of the impact on border control measures, the EU's asylum system, and the overall political landscape within Europe.

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