Neighbors Divided: Insights on Dobrindt's Border Plan from Surrounding Countries
Neighbouring countries voice criticisms over Dobrindt's proposed border plans.
Just a day into the new government, Dobrindt drops a bomb: stricter border control and quicker refugee rejection. While reactions vary, there's definite stir on the European front.
Introducing himself as the tough-talking Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt aims to beef up German border security. The plan? More federal police to ward off refugees, even if they aspire for asylum in Germany. The international landscape reels, as there seems to be little remnant of the original agreement to collaborate with European neighbors.
"Switzerland disapproves of Germany's new measures," expresses the Federal Department of Justice and Police. "Systematic border rejections violate Swiss law." Authorities in the neighboring country will observe the effects and may take further action, should the need arise.
Swiss authorities request the exclusion of goods and passenger traffic from heightened controls. "Citizens commuting to work should continue to avoid hindrance," the department states. However, no response has been received from their counterparts following Federal Councilor Beat Jans' proposal for a meeting between the respective ministers from both countries.
East Meets West: Poland's Perspective
Donald Tusk, the Polish Prime Minister, urges Chancellor Merz to steer clear of unilateral decisions. Poland's commitment to protecting the EU's outer borders is immense, Tusk explains during a press conference with Merz. But internal border security has been overlooked to prevent constraints on cross-border traffic. "I understand the need for reinforced border controls. But that should primarily apply to the external borders," Tusk asserts.
Allies in Arms: Austria and the Czech Republic Stand by Dobrindt's Strategy
The Austrian government stands firmly behind Merz and Dobrindt's vision, stating their intent on close collaboration with the German federal government. "We will work diligently to achieve international and lasting victories in the areas of return and external border protection," says the Ministry of the Interior.
The Czech Interior Minister, Vit Rakusan, echoes similar sentiments. Having discussed the matter with Dobrindt over the weekend, Rakusan predicts minimal impact on the Czech Republic. "We have been facilitating return of illegal migrants, which is already underway between Germany and the Czech Republic and other countries," Rakusan explains.
A Word from Dobrindt: Deportations Ahead
According to media reports, Dobrindt unveiled plans to increase the size of federal police forces and have them work extended shifts. While not every refugee will be turned away at the border, a simple asylum request in Germany will no longer be a guarantee against deportation. Pregnant women and children will be exempt.
Source: ntv.de, mpa
- Refugees
- Refugee Policy
- Migrants
- Immigration
- Germany
- Friedrich Merz
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Switzerland
- Poland
- Donald Tusk
- Austria
- Czech Republic
Additional Findings
Germany's new border policies include:- Permanent Border Controls: Germany has implemented permanent border controls with Poland, Austria, and France since May 6, 2025, aiming to stem illegal migration and increase asylum application refusals at the border.- Rejection of Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers can now be rejected at the borders, with exceptions made for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.- Increased Police Presence: Dobrindt has announced an influx of additional federal police officers to strengthen border enforcement.
Poland experiences practical and logistical challenges due to the new controls and has raised concerns about daily border traffic disruptions. Austria, one of the countries affected by the permanent border controls, has not issued an official statement as of the latest reports.
Switzerland and the Czech Republic are yet to issue official responses to the new German border policies. However, as Schengen members, both countries are likely monitoring the developments closely, concerned about future Schengen cooperation.
- Alexander Dobrindt, the new Interior Minister of Germany, announced stricter border control and quicker rejection of refugee applications, leading to a stir on the European front.
- The Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police disapproved of Germany's new measures, stating that systematic border rejections violate Swiss law.
- Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, urged Chancellor Merz to focus on the EU's outer borders instead of internal security, fearing constraints on cross-border traffic.
- The Czech Interior Minister, Vit Rakusan, predicted minimal impact on the Czech Republic from Dobrindt's strategy, citing ongoing collaboration with Germany in the return of illegal migrants.
