Neighboring Nations Split over Dobrindt's Border Plan - Criticism, Yet Ally Support
Criticism and approval met Dobrindt's border plan
It's the first day of the new government, and Dobrindt makes waves. He proposes speedier refugee rejections and beefed-up border security. Not everyone in Germany's neighboring countries is thrilled, but there's support too.
The new Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, wants action: More federal police to patrol the German border, rejecting refugees even if they seek asylum in Germany. His announcement came a day after assuming office, causing an international stir. It seems Merz's initial promise of "consultation with our European neighbors" is long forgotten.
Switzerland voices its disapproval, with the Federal Department of Justice and Police stating, "Systematic rejections at the border violate Swiss law." They'll monitor the effects and respond if necessary. Switzerland insists controls shouldn't impede goods and passenger traffic, favoring commuting continuity for citizens on both sides. A meeting with responsible ministers is proposed, but an answer is still pending.
Politics Border Control Dispute Tusk Steers Clear of Merz's Migration Path Poland implored Merz to avoid unilateral actions. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a joint press conference with Merz, praised Poland’s investments in external border protection but lamented the neglect of internal border controls to maintain commuter traffic flow. "I understand the need for tightened border controls," Tusk said. "But this should mainly apply to the external borders of the Schengen area."
Austria and the Czech Republic on Dobrindt's Side
Austria welcomes Merz and Dobrindt's course, according to their government statement. They look forward to close cooperation with Germany to achieve international and sustainable success in key areas like return and external border protection. Austria promised compliance with EU law in all measures, while expressing readiness to adapt their approach based on the current situation.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner already discussed the new plans with Dobrindt last weekend. Similarly, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan expressed support, sharing that Bulgaria and Slovakia have already been handling return procedures. The Czech Republic and its citizens shouldn't experience significant effects, Rakusan stated. However, he emphasized the need for a swift asylum law change.
Politics "World Message" Dobrindt Unveils Asylum Seeker Rejections Dobrindt proposed increasing the number of federal police officers, with reports suggesting they could work extended shifts of up to 12 hours daily. While not every refugee would be instantly turned away at the border, asylum applications in Germany won't deter rejections. Pregnant women and children will continue to receive protection.
Sources: ntv.de, mpa
- Refugees
- Asylum Seekers
- Migrants
- Immigration
- Germany
- Poland
- Austria
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- Donald Tusk
- Alexander Dobrindt
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In brief, Germany's new border control plan - announced by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on May 7, 2025 - aims to increase border security and reduce irregular migration. The plan involves beefed-up police presence, including longer shifts for officers, and push-backs, potentially disrupting existing agreements and humanitarian norms within the region. Exception will be made for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. Neighboring countries like Poland and Austria have expressed concerns about the plan's potential impact on regional asylum procedures and border cooperation.
| Country | Stance on Germany's New Policy | Key Points of Criticism/Support ||------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Poland | Critical | Opposes stricter controls and asylum rejections|| Austria | Critical | Concerned about regional asylum procedures || Other neighbors | Not specified in reports | Not publicly detailed in available sources |
- Alexander Dobrindt, the new Interior Minister of Germany, announced an employment policy that includes beefing up border security and speedier refugee rejections, sparking international conversation.
- Poland emphasized the need for careful consideration in implementing the new policy, expressing concerns about the impact on regional asylum procedures and border cooperation.
- Austria, despite sharing concerns about regional asylum procedures, welcomed the course set by Germany and Dobrindt, looking forward to cooperative efforts in key areas such as return and external border protection.
- Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants could potentially face stricter policies under Dobrindt's employment policy, with an increased presence of federal police and longer shifts for officers, along with an emphasis on push-backs.
