Since 16 September 2024, Germany has reinstated controls at all its land borders, citing internal security and the fight against illegal immigration. Almost a year after their introduction, these measures are sparking debate about their effectiveness and their economic and social consequences.

A response to rising tensions: Germany reinstates border controls to address security and migration concerns.
The decision to reintroduce border controls comes amid heightened security tensions. In late August 2024, an attack in Solingen, carried out by a Syrian refugee, killed three people and injured eight others. This event reignited concerns about illegal immigration and radicalisation. Olaf Scholz’s government then announced temporary controls for an initial period of six months, starting on 16 September, extended to all land borders, including those with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

These measures were justified by the need to strengthen internal security and combat illegal immigration. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stressed that the controls previously put in place at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland had detected around 52,000 illegal entries. The government has therefore decided to extend these controls to all land borders.

Significant impacts on the economy and cross-border mobility

The reintroduction of controls has had a significant impact on the German economy and the mobility of cross-border workers. According to the Federal Association for Freight Transport and Logistics (DSLV), these controls have led to delays in the transport of goods, particularly perishable goods, increasing costs for businesses. Cross-border workers, particularly those living in Alsace and working in Germany, have also been affected by longer journey times and administrative complications.

In February 2025, the German government announced the extension of these controls for a further six months, until 15 September 2025, claiming that the measure had reduced asylum applications and illegal crossings. However, this decision has been criticised by some of Germany’s European neighbours, who fear that it will undermine freedom of movement within the Schengen area.

A controversial measure on the European political scene

Germany’s reintroduction of border controls has provoked mixed reactions within the European Union. Some countries, such as Poland and Greece, have expressed concerns about the impact of these measures on free movement and European solidarity in managing migration. Others, however, see the decision as an example to follow in order to strengthen internal security

In Germany, the measure has been widely supported by the population, against a backdrop of rising right-wing extremism and increasingly harsh political rhetoric on immigration. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the policy, saying it has reduced illegal immigration and strengthened the country’s security. Nevertheless, some observers fear that this approach could weaken the Schengen area and undermine the fundamental principles of the European Union.

Almost a year after their introduction, border controls in Germany have certainly helped to strengthen internal security and reduce illegal immigration. However, they have also had significant economic and social consequences, both at national and European level. The extension of these measures until September 2025 raises questions about the future of free movement within the Schengen area and the European Union’s ability to reconcile security and solidarity.

image credit: Gonzalo Leon Jasin – Unsplash

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