Checks at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland to be extended

Extending Border Checks Due to Refugee Surge

Germany's Interior Minister, Faeser, decided to extend border checks with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland beyond December 15. This extension was a response to the sharp increase in refugees in Germany.

Faeser expressed confidence in the efficacy of these border controls. He stated that "our measures are working," and the fight against human traffickers who risk the lives of countless individuals is succeeding.1 Since October 16, German authorities have stopped approximately 120 people smugglers at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.1

These border checks have been a significant component in curbing irregular migration and alleviating the strain on municipalities. As of mid-October, the Federal Police had detected around 9,200 unauthorized entries at these three borders and intervened in nearly 4,370 cases to prevent unauthorized entries and terminate unauthorized stays.1

Faeser emphasized that the protection of the EU's external borders was a crucial aspect in limiting irregular migration. By working diligently in Brussels, they aimed to finalize EU legislation to strengthen external border protection.1

Partnering with Mobile Border Patrols: Wiese's Perspective

Dirk Wiese, the deputy leader of the SPD parliamentary group, suggested that border checks could be even more effective in conjunction with expanded mobile border patrols.1 Additionally, Wiese emphasized that border controls in the Schengen area should not be considered a long-term solution.1

European Asylum Reform and Security Priorities

Germany had previously backed the European asylum reform after a prolonged period of hesitation. In response, Faeser approved the so-called crisis regulation, which empowers the EU to deal with new refugee crises more effectively.1 The EU countries need to cooperate with the European Parliament to finalize the legislative package.1

The German Police Union (GdP) Critique

In contrast, the German Police Union (GdP) contends that border controls are not an effective means of decreasing the number of asylum seekers or preventing asylum applications.1 Andreas Roßkopf, head of the GdP federal police, suggested that resources could be better utilized for city security and the management of the asylum problem within the EU framework.1

With over 35,000 initial asylum applications reported in November, Roßkopf urged authorities to reconsider the deployment of resources at the border and address the asylum problem within the EU framework.1

Footnotes

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Enrichment Data:

In more depth, the current status and effectiveness of border controls in Germany at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland to combat illegal migration and human trafficking have produced the following outcomes:

1. Extension of Border Controls
2. Germany approved a six-month extension (until September 15, 2025) of the temporary inner border controls with neighboring countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.1
3. Effectiveness in Reducing Irregular Migration
   • The temporary border controls have been effective in mitigating irregular migration. Germany has reported a steep drop in asylum applications, with a 37% reduction in January 2025 compared to the previous year.1
   • These checks have prevented approximately 47,000 illegal entries at Germany's borders.1
4. Combating Human Trafficking and Smuggling
   • The measures have also been successful in clamping down on human trafficking and smuggling.1
   • Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscored the success in stopping people smugglers, who view migrants as commodities, and deterring criminals and extremists.1
5. Selective Checks
   • The checks have been targeted to minimize disruptions while preserving necessary security measures.1
   • This includes random baggage checks and security screenings to curb illegal migration and smuggling activities.4
6. Legal Compliance
   • The border controls are in accordance with EU law, with close collaboration between German authorities and neighboring countries to ensure legal compliance.1
   • This alignment with regulations guarantees that these measures remain effective while adhering to international regulations.4

In summary, the current state of border controls at Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland is that they are extended until September 15, 2025, and have proven effective in decreasing irregular migration and combating human trafficking and smuggling.