Border Patrol Deployed from Strasbourg and Kehl Towards Merz
The Kehl-Strasbourg conurbation, a region known for its close cross-border economic and social integration, is facing significant challenges due to intensified border controls between Germany and France. The increased checks and fixed checkpoints, implemented since May 2025, have introduced delays and disruptions that are impacting daily commuting, trade, and service provision [1][3].
The mayors of Kehl and Strasbourg, Wolfram Britz and Jeanne Barseghian respectively, have expressed concerns about the competitive disadvantage the region is facing as a result of these controls. They have invited German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a visit and have sent a protest letter to express their concerns [4][5].
The increased border controls have resulted in traffic jams, particularly at the Europa Bridge, a key crossing point between eastern France and Germany. This has affected the retail sector in Kehl and impacted many Alsatians who drive to work and shop in the neighboring Baden-Württemberg region [2].
The controls, ordered by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt shortly after he took office, are part of a broader trend of increased border controls at all neighboring borders, initiated from autumn 2024 onward by Germany, and extended by France until at least October 2025 [1][4][5].
These measures, while partly justified by migration pressure and security threats, contradict the Schengen Agreement's principle of open internal borders. However, they have been extended repeatedly by both countries as national security responses to concerns including irregular migration, terrorism, and public order issues [2][4][5].
The mayors' protest letter, also signed by East French Green politician Jeanne Barseghian, highlights the economic and social consequences of the increased controls, including potential increases in costs and time for businesses and commuters and the region's decreased attractiveness compared to less affected areas [1][5].
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle. (2025, June 1). Strasbourg-Kehl conurbation hit by German-French border controls. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/strasbourg-kehl-conurbation-hit-by-german-french-border-controls/a-58643599
[2] European Parliament. (2025, May 15). Schengen Border Code: Temporary internal border controls extended. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20250515STO83564/schengen-border-code-temporary-internal-border-controls-extended
[3] The Local. (2025, June 3). Strasbourg mayor blasts German border controls as 'disastrous' for city. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20250603/strasbourg-mayor-blasts-german-border-controls-as-disastrous-for-city
[4] France 24. (2025, May 10). Germany extends border controls to France for six months. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/20250510-germany-extends-border-controls-to-france-for-six-months
[5] BBC News. (2025, June 8). German border controls hit Strasbourg-Kehl conurbation. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62848083
- The mayors' protest letter, composed by mayors Wolfram Britz and Jeanne Barseghian, along with Jeanne Barseghian of the East French Green Party, emphasizes the economic implications of the intensified border controls, specifically regarding policy-and-legislation within the politics of the region.
- Given the increased border controls between Germany and France in the policy-and-legislation domain, the Strasbourg-Kehl conurbation, reportedly facing significant challenges, has seen implications for general-news topics such as economy, commute, and trade in both countries.
