Extending Border Controls: Faeser's Three-Month Expansion
Nancy Faeser, Germany's Interior Minister, has announced an extension of the temporary border controls at Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. The additional control measures will last until March 15, 2023, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior announced this Friday.
Faeser's tightened security measures are meant to better combat smuggling crimes and limit irregular migration, as reported to the European Commission. Since the first border control measures were implemented in mid-October, unauthorized entries have dropped by more than 60%, falling from over 20,000 in October to roughly 7,300 in November.
This is not Faeser's first extension of border controls, as she has already extended them for shorter periods multiple times since their introduction on October 16. In contrast, internal border controls at the German-Austrian border, which started in fall 2015, are scheduled to terminate in May 2024.
Challenges and Concerns
The goal of extended border controls is to combat smuggling and illegal migration, but FDP interior politician Ann-Veruschka Jurisch criticized the decision. Jurisch, who represents Constance's constituency, is concerned about the resulting traffic jams and delays affecting border traffic, especially commuters.
In another development, Slovenia has also extended its border controls with Hungary and Croatia, which were initially planned to end on December 22, for six additional months. The reason given is the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Enrichment Data
Germany's decision to extend border controls hasn't just lasted for three months but up to six months, till September 2025, impacting multiple borders including Poland and Switzerland. The move is primarily to curb illegal immigration and combat smuggling crimes.
The measure has proven effective, with authorities detecting around 80,000 cases of illegal entry, arresting approximately 1,900 smugglers, and turning away about 47,000 individuals. The reasons behind the extension include increased security concerns due to global conflicts like the war in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The decision affects travelers, leading to potential delays, and has significant implications for international cooperation and dialogue with neighboring countries. Within the Schengen Area, these measures are reported to Brussels, making its approval essential for extensions lasting more than two months.
In summary, the extension aims to maintain a robust approach to security and migration management, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategic goals, while considering the potential travel disruptions and international cooperation involved.
