Permanent Infringement Settlement Amounting to EUR 80 Million
In a series of events, Germany has been grappling with the financial and political implications of its internal border controls, a measure put in place to curb irregular migration.
The border controls at the southern borders of Germany, initially introduced as a temporary measure, have been in place since an unspecified date in the past. Over the years, they have been extended every six months since their first reintroduction ten years ago.
Recent revelations through a Left Party inquiry have shed light on the costs associated with these controls. The Federal Police, along with other related entities, incurred approximately €70 million for operational costs tied to extended internal border checks. This figure includes personnel deployment, overnight accommodations, and the materials necessary for these controls.
The additional costs for the Federal Police alone amount to 45 million euros, with an additional 35 million euros for extra overnight stays and deployment materials.
These costs have been a subject of criticism, with some viewing them as expensive symbol politics. The high expenditure has contributed to a persistent state that is costing millions, according to critics.
Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), the successor of Nancy Faeser (SPD) who extended border controls to all neighboring countries of Germany on September 16, 2024, has openly rejected refugees as of May 7, 2025. This decision has potentially caused tensions with neighboring countries.
It is important to note that the European Court of Justice has not yet made a decision on the matter of pushbacks, as claimed by Dobrindt. In precedent cases, three Somalis successfully sued the German government over pushbacks and received justice. However, the verdict in this case is final and cannot be appealed.
The costs for internal border controls are not specified as to how they are being allocated or distributed. The lack of transparency in this regard has eroded trust in internationally recognized human rights.
As the debate surrounding internal border controls continues, it is crucial to address the financial implications and the potential impact on human rights to ensure a balanced and fair approach.
- The debates surrounding Germany's internal border controls, initially implemented as a temporary measure to address irregular migration, have increasingly centered around policy-and-legislation, with critics viewing the significant costs associated with these controls as expensive symbol politics in the realm of politics.
- The financial burden of Germany's border controls, which totaled approximately €70 million in operational costs, has raised concerns within the context of war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice, as critics question whether the expenditure is justified given the potential human rights implications.
- As the European Court of Justice delays a decision on the matter of pushbacks, general-news outlets continue to monitor the ongoing political tensions between neighboring countries and Germany, particularly in light of the extended border controls and the potential impact on internationally recognized human rights.
