Border Controls Tighten: German Government's New Asylum Policies
Border Authority Stands Firm: Sole Entrants Denied Access if Initial Entry Attempt Fails
Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, squashes rumors about unilateral deportation of asylum seekers without consulting neighboring countries. In an effort to clarify the situation, Merz emphasized that Germany is working hand-in-hand with European neighbors, intensifying border controls much like during last year's European Football Championship.
People attempting to cross the border will continue to be returned according to European law, with neighboring countries fully informed. After a meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, Merz reaffirmed his support for the European single market and the Schengen area, advocating against any cross-border traffic restrictions.
The debate is ignited by Merz's campaign promise to turn away refugees, citing safety concerns and the processing of asylum procedures in other states. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced a strengthened border management, communicating the plans to the ambassadors of neighboring EU countries. The government's stance appears to involve rejecting asylum applications from those who enter Germany via a safe third EU country, aligning with European law's principle of asylum seekers first applying for protection in the first country they enter.
However, Hindu-LSD reports suggest Merz may declare a national state of emergency for deportations, an allegation the government spokesperson denies. A potential controversy arises from the Dublin rules, which state that applying for asylum at a German or European internal border is generally not possible. The SPD expresses discontent over the debate, advocating for cooperative migration policies and emphasizing the need to adhere to current European law for asylum applications.
(Article by Andreas Rinke; edited by Sabine Wollrab. For further questions, please contact our editorial team at [email protected])
Dig Deeper:
The Gist of it:
- Chancellor Merz clarifies that Germany is working in concert with European neighbors, not acting alone.
- The government's plan to turn back people at the border is in line with EU law, with neighboring countries informed.
- The interior minister indicates that asylum applications from those entering from a safe third country will be rejected.
- The SPD disagrees with potentially unilateral, harsh border measures, emphasizing the importance of cooperating with European partners.
- In response to the inference of unilateral deportation of asylum seekers, Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, assured that the country is working collaboratively with European neighbors.
- In their effort to strengthen border controls, the government intends to act responsibly, following European law when returning people attempting to cross the border.
- The government's policy-and-legislation initiatives carry cooperation with neighboring countries, in line with the directive of discussing asylum applications with them first.
- The SPD, in the midst of the debate about border measures, advocates for responsible politics and migration policies that adhere to the current European law for asylum applications.
