Germany's Border Controls Face Calls for Abolition Amidst Growing Criticism

Former SPD leader Martin Schulz has called on Germany to end its border controls, arguing they cause significant traffic congestion and financial losses, particularly for cross-border commuters and transporters. He warned that public dissatisfaction could escalate during the summer holidays as travelers face lengthy waits.

“

But I believe that when many people go on vacation, and then find themselves in queues when they return to Germany, dissatisfaction will grow. Already, in some places, people are waiting up to an hour.

European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner echoed this sentiment, noting that reduced migrant numbers and updated asylum regulations now permit the gradual removal of internal EU border checks. Germany implemented these controls on all land borders in September 2024, leading to multi-kilometer queues at some crossings with the Netherlands.

“

These stationary controls are purely symbolic politics.

Schulz dismissed the stationary checks as "purely symbolic politics," suggesting that smugglers and individuals would simply find alternative routes. He supports occasional checks but not permanent ones, as they fail to achieve their intended goals. Furthermore, Schulz highlighted that persistent border controls might contravene the Schengen Agreement, anticipating that courts will ultimately rule on their legality. This stance is partly supported by a recent administrative court ruling in Koblenz that favored a law professor challenging a stop at the German-Luxembourg border, though the Interior Minister has appealed the decision.

“

People and drug smugglers will simply choose other routes.