Dropping Unauthorized Crossings: Analyzing German Border Controls and Their Impact
As the chilly winds of November swept across Germany, the number of unauthorized entries plummeted considerably compared to October. According to federal government data sent to MP Clara Bünger (Left Party), the German Federal Police documented 4,353 unauthorized entries at land borders between November 1 and 23, resulting in 2,299 refusals.
October saw 18,384 unauthorized entries recorded at Germany's land borders. Notably, the majority of these occurred in the first half of the month. Compared to previous years, this figure is significantly lower. The Federal Police recorded 7,543 unauthorized entries at all borders in November 2021 and 12,538 unauthorized entries in November 2020.
The decrease in unauthorized entries was not merely confined to borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, where enhanced border controls have been in place since October 16. The decrease was also noticeable at the border with Austria, where stationary controls have been in place since the fall of 2015.
Preliminary figures from the Federal Police indicate 921 unauthorized entries and 493 refusal orders at the German-Austrian border between November 1 and 23. Contrast this with October, when over 6,921 illegal immigrants were found there. The primary countries of origin for the 4,820 people turned back at Germany's borders in October were Turkey, Syria, Afghanistan, and Morocco.
However, the police union is skeptical about the reasons behind the dramatic drop. While they acknowledge the role of the border controls ordered by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) in mid-October, they believe that neighboring countries have also intensified their own border protection measures, contributing to the overall reduction.
Police union representative Andreas Roßkopf points out that Austria and Slovakia have strengthened their border controls with Hungary. CDU/CSU spokesperson Rôle Alexander Throm describes the border controls as successful but stresses the importance of returning rejected asylum seekers to prevent false incentives. Throm proposes limiting transitional allowances and travel costs to returning asylum seekers to their original EU country.
Roßkopf attributes the decrease in unauthorized entries to a temporary special effect, suggesting that rival smuggling organizations have been engaged in a power struggle, leading to many migrants being left behind. However, he warns that this is only a temporary solution, and smuggling networks will soon adapt to the changed circumstances.
"Border controls do not prevent people from needing asylum; they only make the escape routes even more dangerous," Bünger claims. Bünger also criticizes the long-term stationary controls at the German-Austrian border as a violation of EU law and calls for its reversal.
Insights: Since the introduction of internal border controls on September 16, 2024, the German Federal Police have detected over 80,000 irregular entries. They have arrested 1,900 people smugglers, resulting in a decline in asylum applications year-on-year. Additionally, January 2025 saw a 37% drop in asylum applications and a 25% decrease in unauthorized border crossings following the implementation of these measures.
What’s behind the drop in unauthorized entries?
Various factors contribute to the decline in unauthorized entries into Germany.
- Border Controls: The introduction of stricter border controls has made it more difficult for migrants to enter the country illegally. The deployment of additional police officers and the use of technology to monitor borders have resulted in a reduction in the number of unauthorized entries.
- Domino Effect: The effects of border controls in neighboring countries have also impacted Germany’s borders. Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary have all strengthened their border controls, which has pushed some migrants back across the border.
- Smuggling Organizations: Fierce competition between smuggling organizations has led to some migrants being left behind or deterred from continuing their journey. However, this is a temporary situation, and it’s expected that smuggling networks will soon adapt to the new circumstances.
Effect on EU Law: The long-term stationary controls at the German-Austrian border have drawn criticism from the European Union, with some arguing that they contravene European law. The Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has criticized border closures and emphasized the need for coordinated European policies.
Perspectives on Border Controls
- Government Perspectives: The German government has supported the implementation of temporary border controls, arguing that they are necessary to control migration and ensure national security. The measures have been carried out in a targeted manner to minimize disruptions to travel and commuter traffic.
- Opposition Perspectives: The opposition has criticized the government’s stance on border controls, arguing that they violate EU law and result in the dismissal of asylum seekers without proper consideration. Some have proposed more permanent border control measures and stricter immigration policies.
Enrichment Data:
Germany has implemented a series of measures to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime, including the deployment of additional police officers, the use of technology to monitor borders, and the establishment of temporary border control posts. The impact of these measures has been significant, leading to a reduction in the number of unauthorized entries and asylum applications. The government has emphasized that the measures are temporary and are not intended to violate EU law. However, the opposition has criticized the government’s stance, arguing that the measures are ineffective and violate EU principles of freedom of movement and the right to asylum.
