Germany's SPD pushes for end to EU border controls with asylum reform

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is advocating for the phased removal of internal border controls within the European Union, coinciding with the upcoming asylum reform known as Geas. Sebastian Fiedler, the SPD's domestic policy spokesperson, stated that once the new rules take effect, internal border checks should also be phased out. He proposed starting with borders less affected by irregular crossings and gradually expanding the scope as the situation stabilizes.

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I am advocating for stepping back from border controls step by step after June 12.

However, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) views the SPD's call as premature. Alexander Throm, the CDU's domestic policy spokesperson, argued that the full effects of the Geas reform will not be immediate and that it is crucial to first ensure all member states adhere to their obligations. Throm specifically highlighted Germany's reliance on countries like Italy and Greece to follow the new regulations.

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Possible effects of the Geas reform are by no means to be expected overnight.

The European Commission has also encouraged Germany to cease its internal border controls, recommending more efficient alternatives such as non-systematic police checks and mobile biometric identification and vehicle tracking technologies. The Geas reform, set to take effect on June 12, aims to replace the Dublin system, which assigns responsibility for asylum applications to the first EU country of registration. The reform introduces unified procedures at EU external borders and faster processing for asylum seekers from countries with low recognition rates, potentially involving detention-like conditions at the border.

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The linchpin for Germany will be whether countries like Italy and Greece adhere to the rules.