Germany’s center-left government has announced temporary restrictions on land borders in an effort to manage irregular migration, following a recent knife attack and electoral support for a far-right party.
The controls, set to begin on September 16 and expected to last for six months with the possibility of extension, will be implemented at borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. This move adds to existing checks at borders with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland.
The decision comes just days after the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made significant electoral gains in the eastern state of Thuringia and finished closely behind in Saxony. These elections were influenced by a tragic knife attack in Solingen, allegedly committed by a Syrian asylum seeker, which resulted in three deaths.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser communicated that the government would also enable local authorities to reject and turn away migrants at the borders, a potentially contentious measure that may face legal challenges. She emphasized the need to strengthen internal security against “irregular migration” and to address concerns over Islamist terrorism and serious crime.
This shift in policy reflects a mounting opposition to immigration in Germany, particularly since the country welcomed approximately one million Ukrainian refugees amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Historically, Germany enjoyed a reputation for compassion towards refugees, particularly under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who accepted many from Syria. Now, however, the political climate has shifted, with the AfD capitalizing on public discontent during a cost-of-living crisis.
Rising asylum applications in Germany, surpassing 350,000 in 2023, underscore the growing migration issue. The largest groups seeking asylum are from Syria, followed by Turkey and Afghanistan. The situation deteriorated following the Solingen attack, which ISIS claimed responsibility for, further aggravating anti-immigrant sentiments.
Experts predict that the upcoming elections may lead to even stricter asylum regulations, as democratic parties react to the surge of right-wing populism. Changes could potentially challenge foundational principles of asylum rights in Germany, threatening the country’s post-World War II identity as a promoter of human rights.
Additionally, neighboring countries might respond to Germany’s measures by restricting their own borders, further tightening immigration control throughout Europe. Austria’s Interior Minister has already stated that Austria will not accept migrants rejected by Germany, indicating a potential shift toward isolationist immigration policies within the EU.
Scholars warn that a departure from accepted refugee responsibilities could erode trust in the international order, particularly as migration pressures persist from the Middle East and North Africa.