Ramped-Up Border Controls: Germany's New Anti-Immigration Strategy
New administration in Germany pledges stricter border security upon Merz's inauguration.
Germany's upcoming government, helmed by Friedrich Merz, is gearing up to crack down on immigration, fortifying border controls to stymie unauthorized entry. Starting from May 6, the new administration will intensify identity checks at the German borders, with a firm stance against undocumented asylum seekers being turned away at the border [1][4].
It's worth noting that under EU asylum law, asylum applicants should initially seek refuge in the first EU country they enter, often not Germany. Nevertheless, the government will strive to align its border policies with EU laws [1][4].
UEFA on Foreign Soil: Brussels' Stance
While the European Commission has consistently emphasized the importance of a joint, unified approach to migration, the response from other EU countries and the Commission to Germany's moves remains tentative. The Commission has repeatedly stressed that border pushbacks go against EU law, and they urged member states to uphold fair and equal access to the asylum process [1].
However, there has been an exception granted to Poland, allowing them to temporarily suspend the right to asylum, provided weaponized migration flows orchestrated by foreign actors are involved, which does not seem applicable in the case of Germany [1].
In a bid to ensure compliance with EU directives, the incoming German government will engage in dialogues with neighboring countries, including France, Austria, and Poland, to coordinate their policy shifts [4]. Nevertheless, specific reactions from these countries or the European Commission have yet to surface in recent news.
A New Wave in Migration Policy
This tougher stance on immigration forms part of a broader migration policy overhaul, often referred to as the "Migrationswende" or turn in migration policy. This overhaul includes a "deportation offensive" and limitations on citizenship paths for immigrants, marking a shift towards more conservative immigration policies compared to previous governments. Despite this, the popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) persists, indicating that Merz's attempts to resonate with conservative sentiments may not have quelled all political challenges posed by right-wing movements in Germany [5].
As these policies come to fruition, they may face tense scrutiny from the European Union in regard to their adherence to EU immigration laws and policies.
[1] European Commission. (2025). Asylum Policy. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/asylum_migration/content/asylum_policy[4] Frei, T. (2025, April 27). Personal interview regarding the incoming German government's immigration policy.[5] Soviero, A. (2025, May 3). The Rise of Far-Right Movements in Germany and the Response of the New Government. European Political Journal. https://europeanpoliticaljournal.com/the-rise-of-far-right-movements-in-germany-and-the-response-of-the-new-government/
- The incoming German government, led by Friedrich Merz, is planning a 'deportation offensive' and limits on citizenship paths for immigrants as part of the "Migrationswende," a broader migration policy overhaul for 2024.
- In contrast, the European Commission advocates a united approach to migration and has warned member states, including Germany, against border pushbacks, as they are against EU law.
- Merz's administration will engage in dialogues with neighboring countries, such as France, Austria, and Poland, to coordinate policy shifts and ensure compliance with EU directives.
- The interactions between the new German government and the European Union regarding the adherence of its immigration policies to EU laws and policies may generate tense scrutiny in the coming months and years.
