Germany has reintroduced border controls at all its land borders, a move initiated by Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The controls primarily target long-distance buses, cross-border rail traffic, and trams.
The initiative, which began in June due to major events like the European Football Championship and the Olympic Games in Paris, now focuses on curbing illegal migration. Despite random checks, the authorities aim to keep traffic flowing smoothly without significant delays at border crossings.
The Federal Police are responsible for implementing these controls, coordinating closely with partner agencies to minimize disruptions for commuters and trade. The checks extend across Germany's borders with Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
There's skepticism about the feasibility of comprehensive checks along the 3900 km border, with concerns about potential loopholes for smugglers. The measure has led to mixed reactions, particularly from neighboring countries and border regions, where there are fears of economic drawbacks and inconvenience for commuters.
The controls are initially set for six months, with the possibility of extension, and are justified by the government as essential to tackle irregular migration, trafficking, and security threats. The move has sparked debate on its effectiveness and impact on the Schengen area's principles of free movement.
While authorities report a reduction in asylum applications and successful interceptions of smugglers, the long-term implications for border traffic and regional cooperation remain to be seen.
