Germany and Denmark Maintain Border Surveillance

Germany and Denmark intend to keep their current border control measures in place for the time being, a decision aimed at curbing irregular migration. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that border surveillance is a significant tool in this effort, highlighting its success in recent months.

Dobrindt, a member of the Bavarian Christian Social Union, noted that while the border with Denmark plays a secondary role in migration flows, German federal police have still achieved success in combating human smugglers there. He emphasized the close cooperation between German and Danish police forces.

His Danish counterpart, Minister of Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov, echoed the sentiment, confirming that Denmark also currently deems border control necessary. Germany initially implemented fixed border controls with Denmark on September 16, 2024, and has since extended them multiple times. Denmark began its own fixed border surveillance with Germany on May 12, 2024.

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Border control is an important contribution to reducing irregular migration.

Beyond their bilateral cooperation, Dobrindt and Bødskov reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration on European migration policy. A key focus is the concept of "re-admission centers," facilities planned to be established outside the European Union. These centers would house irregular migrants who have not been granted protection within the EU but cannot be deported to their home countries for various reasons.

Ministers from Greece, the Netherlands, and Austria have also expressed interest in these centers. Dobrindt and Bødskov expressed confidence that an agreement with a host country could be reached this year, with a pilot project potentially launching next year, though they did not disclose any specific country names.

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The Danish side still sees the necessity of maintaining control over this border at the present time.