German federal police officers check a van at the Austrian-German border crossing point in Kiefersfelden, Germany, Oct. 9, 2023. [Matthias Schrader/AP]
Germany recently announced plans to extend controls to all its land borders and tighten regulations on asylum seekers to reduce irregular migration, marking a shift from its previous open-door policy. This decision affects the European Union’s free movement principles and could strain regional unity.
Key Announcements:
- Extended temporary controls to all land borders
- Toughened implementation of EU asylum rules
Motivation:
The move is seen as both a response to increasing strain on public services due to irregular migration and a political strategy to counter far-right and conservative opposition ahead of elections.
Impact on EU:
Travellers may face increased checks at borders, potentially causing delays. Neighboring countries have expressed concerns over having to accommodate more asylum seekers.
Reaction:
While some countries criticized the decision, others, like Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, supported it.
Next Steps:
Germany plans to implement border controls immediately and will consult with European partners on other measures.
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