Merz Toughens Germany's Stance on EU Borders and Directives
Border crossings lack a centralized, comprehensive service for all requirements.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz sees his border crackdown as a united European effort, not a solo German action. Despite the intense border checks, no emergency has been declared, he asserted. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, however, urges coordination with Brussels and neighboring countries.
Merz's administration aims to combat migration surges with stricter border controls and refused asylum seekers. Critics argue this approach may contradict EU law and risk undermining the borderless EU market. Nevertheless, Austria supports Germany's stance against the smuggling racket and illegal migration, but stresses compliance with EU law.
Merz Pushes for EU Course Correction
During his meeting with EU Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, Merz pleaded for a course correction from the EU Commission. He demands the abolition of the EU's supply chain directive and a general rollback of EU legislation. However, he also warns that stopping "gold-plating" in member states - additional national requirements for EU provisions - is essential.
Both leaders assure a commitment to boost competitiveness, with Merz advocating for the completion of the capital markets union in the EU. They also push for more free trade agreements, criticizing the EU Commission for not pressing hard enough for swift conclusions.
A Tightened Migration Policy Agenda
Since taking office in May 2025, Chancellor Merz has enforced tough migration policies, emphasizing border security. Within weeks, the Interior Ministry launched enhanced border policing, introducing new procedures to turn back irregular migrants and asylum seekers at Germany's borders.
Merz's government repealed a 2015 instruction that previously allowed undocumented immigrants to enter Germany and apply for asylum on humanitarian grounds. Now, asylum seekers are expected to apply in the first EU country they enter, aligning with current EU law and directives. The government intends to reduce the high number of asylum applications by adopting a more restrictive and enforcement-centered approach.
Merz also plans comprehensive reforms to Germany's asylum system, aiming to speed up processing times and increase deportations for rejected asylum seekers and violent offenders. The number of asylum seekers turned back at the border will gradually grow, but exemptions apply for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
In brief, Chancellor Merz advocates for:
- Tough border checks to deter irregular migration.
- Revoking lenient asylum policies of previous administrations.
- Enforcing EU rules at the member state borders, rather than simply rolling back EU directives.
- Reforming asylum procedure and border controls nationally to expedite processing and increase deportations.
- Gradual increase in rejections of asylum seekers at the border, while protecting vulnerable persons.
This hardline stance on migration policy demonstrates a tightened approach under Merz's leadership, focusing on national border security within the existing EU legal context rather than seeking an outright rollback of EU directives [1][2][3].
- The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the draft directive, addressing the migration policy agenda asÖ Chancellor Merz demands a course correction from Brussels.
- Merz's government is implementing stricter border controls, toughening Germany's stance on EU borders as well as controlling the flow of migrants and asylum seekers.
- In policy-and-legislation discussions, Merz advocates for enforcing EU rules at member state borders, contrary to rolling back EU directives.
- In the realm of politics and general news, Merz's administration has taken a hardline stance on migration policy, with a focus on national border security within the existing EU legal context.
