Fresh Take on Border Control: Merz Clarifies Germany's stance under EU Law
German commitment to EU law on immigration: Merz pledges adherence to union regulations on migration matters - "Merz vows to uphold EU laws on immigration, stressing no single German may enter alone"
Friedrich Merz, the newly appointed Chancellor of Germany, has recently tightened border controls, sparking conversations about immigration and EU compliance. The scrutiny stems largely from comments made by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who has alluded to potential deviations from EU law to justify rejected asylum seekers and fortified borders.
The New Border Control Regime
In a bid to reinforce Germany's borders, the federal police have been instructed to step up identification checks and restrict immigration of undocumented individuals. The new measures, initiated on May 6, 2025, target asylum seekers who have not submitted requests in their initial EU nation of entry, demonstrating an alignment with EU law[1][3][5]. However, exceptions are made for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children[1].
Questioning Compliance with EU Law
The EU necessitates asylum seekers to file applications in their first EU country of entry[3]. As Germany enforces these principles, potential disputes with EU regulations may surface if its actions are deemed too restrictive or if they systematically lead to border rejections without proper due process. The EU Commission might express reservations concerning Germany's adherence to the Schengen Borders Code, which allows for temporary border control measures under certain circumstances[4].
A Cooperation-Centric Approach
Comments made by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Chancellor Merz, following a joint press conference in Brussels, suggest a focus on coordination with neighboring countries during border control enforcement[1]. Merz assured that there would be "no German solo action," implying an intent to collaborate instead of isolate countries with its border policies[1]. Further dialogues with neighboring states are anticipated to clarify Germany's position regarding border control strategies.
Potential Outcomes
These new border control measures have the potential to generate criticism from both EU bodies and neighboring countries. As the policies are only recently implemented, reactions from EU agencies may influence their long-term compatibility with EU law. Additionally, diplomatic discussions within the EU regarding migration policy coherence and enforcement could ensue[1][3].
References:1. Bfast.de, "Germany tightens immigration controls, aiming for a 'gut reaction' in the EU." (2025).2. Reuters, "Germany to reject asylum seekers who haven't applied in first EU country." (2025).3. Heise Online, "Germany tightens external border controls." (2025).4. Euractiv, "Schengen Borders Code explained." (2023).5. Business Insider, "Vulnerable migrants excepted from Germany's hard-line immigration policies." (2025).
- The crisis of alignment between Germany's new border control policies and EU law has been declaimed, raising questions about potential deviations from the Schengen Borders Code and policy-and-legislation.
- In response to the tightened immigration controls, the EU Commission, as well as neighboring countries, may express reservations over Germany's compliance with the regulations, specifically the general-news principle that asylum seekers should file applications in their first EU country of entry.
- The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz have emphasized a cooperation-centric approach in border control enforcement, looking towards dialogues with neighboring states to clarify Germany's position on migration policy.
- Significant criticism could arise from EU bodies and neighboring countries regarding Germany's hard-line immigration policies, with potential implications for cooperation on migration issues in the future.
- In light of these new measures, the long-term compatibility of Germany's border control policies with EU law depends on reactions from EU agencies and further political dialogues within the EU, particularly focusing on migration policy coherence and enforcement.
