German Border Control Policies Justified by Spahn - German border control policy upheld by Spahn's defense
As of July 2025, Poland has reinstated temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania, a move aimed at addressing concerns over illegal migration and alleged actions by Germany. The controls, which involve random checks at various points along the borders, include 16 points on the Polish-German border and three points on the Polish-Lithuanian border.
The measures are a response to Germany's existing border controls, which have been in place since 2023 to combat human trafficking and irregular migration. Poland's action is also influenced by allegations that Germany has been transporting migrants back to Poland. The controls target specific vehicles, such as buses, minibuses, cars with many passengers, and those with tinted windows, focusing on preventing illegal smuggling. Initially, the checks are set to last for 30 days, but there is no ruling out the possibility of extensions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denied allegations of pushing migrants into Poland, and his government has supported Poland's decision as part of a symmetrical approach to stricter migration policies. However, the European Parliament's deputy president, Katarina Barley, views Poland's decision as retaliation, warning that it strains the Schengen system. The EU generally supports free movement within its borders, but Schengen countries can reinstate border controls temporarily in response to security threats.
The Dublin Regulation, a crucial part of the EU migration policy framework, does not directly address border controls between member states. However, it plays a crucial role in determining the member state responsible for examining an asylum application. Jens Spahn, a CDU politician, has criticised the effectiveness of the current asylum policy in Germany, stating that if it worked, the number of asylum applications in Germany would be zero, but it's not. Spahn did not specify the nature or details of the changes he proposes in the asylum policy, but he has stated that there are good agreements between Poland and Germany to avoid situations where migrants are pushed back and forth.
In summary, the temporary border controls between Germany and Poland are a response to migration concerns and alleged actions by Germany. The controls are aimed at preventing illegal smuggling and are supported by both Germany and Poland. However, the European Parliament views Poland's decision as potentially straining the Schengen system. The Dublin Regulation, while not directly addressing border controls, plays a crucial role in determining responsibility for asylum applications within the EU. Jens Spahn, a CDU politician, has criticised the current asylum policy in Germany and proposed changes, but has not specified the details of these changes.
The temporary border controls implemented by Poland with Germany and Lithuania are largely influenced by Germany's own border controls, established in 2023 to combat human trafficking and irregular migration. These measures, heavily focused on preventing illegal smuggling, are supported by both the German government and the Polish community.
Despite broader support, the European Parliament's deputy president, Katarina Barley, perceives Poland's decision as retaliatory, posing a potential threat to the functionality of the Schengen system. The Dublin Regulation, a key component of the EU's migration policy, indirectly impacts border controls between member states by determining the responsibility for examining asylum applications.
