Germany Tightens Schengen Border Controls Amid Migration Concerns

Germany Implements Stricter Schengen Border Controls

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has defended new border control measures during his first official visit to Prague since taking office. The move comes as Germany seeks to address what Dobrindt calls the country's "strong magnetic effect on illegal migration worldwide."

Impact on Schengen Free Travel

Both Germany and the Czech Republic are members of the Schengen free travel area, sharing an 800-kilometer border. While Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan called for a rapid return to normal Schengen rules, he acknowledged the current measures as an "exceptional situation."

The key aspects of Germany's new border policy include:

• Increased police presence and customs officer support
• Spot checks at smaller border crossings
• Turning back asylum seekers (with exceptions for vulnerable groups)
• Monthly re-evaluation of the measures

Migration Patterns and European Response

According to Czech officials, transit through the country has reached a five-year low. Most rejections at the German border affect Ukrainians with Czech residence permits but not broader European rights. Migrants from countries like Syria have become rare exceptions.

Dobrindt emphasized the need for a pan-European solution, stating Germany's new coalition government would take a more active role in Brussels regarding joint measures against irregular migration.

The situation remains particularly sensitive given the many Czech citizens who commute across the border for work in Germany. Both ministers agreed to reassess the measures in early June.