German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has claimed success in curbing illegal migration through border controls at several German borders. However, representatives from the Green Party argue that these measures violate the Schengen Border Code and are calling for EU President Ursula von der Leyen to halt the controls.
Green Party’s concerns over border checks
In an open letter to the European Commission, Green Party politicians criticize the stationary border controls ordered by Faeser. The letter, signed by Members of the European Parliament Anna Cavazzini and Erik Marquardt, Bundestag members Filiz Polat and Marcel Emmerich, and Brandenburg state parliament member Sahra Damus, expresses concerns about the new checks at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
The letter claims that Germany, along with seven other EU member states, is currently not complying with the Schengen Border Code. Additionally, a new expert report questions the effectiveness of these border controls and their success claims, citing potential issues such as evasive actions, double counting, and possibly illegal rejections.
Duration and scope of the border controls
Faeser implemented stationary controls at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland last October, while controls at the Austrian border have been in place since 2015. These controls have been extended several times to limit irregular migration and combat smuggling. Currently, the controls for Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland are set to remain in place until December 15, while those for Austria are scheduled until November 11. Additional controls were also established at the French border during the Paris Olympics and throughout all German borders during the June European Football Championship.
Effectiveness and impact of the controls
Faeser has emphasized the effectiveness of these border controls, asserting that they disrupt smuggling routes. The Green Party politicians acknowledge the justification for temporary controls during major events like the European Championship and the Olympics but argue that a permanent exit from these controls should follow the end of these events.
The letter demands that the EU Commission ensure compliance with the Schengen Code. The Green Party also highlights the strain these controls place on people and businesses in border regions, including commuters, trade, and law enforcement. The Police Union has raised concerns about the significant costs and questioned the effectiveness of the controls.
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