On December 30, 2024, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced plans to extend border controls beyond March 2025 as part of efforts to combat irregular migration. The current border surveillance, which was expanded in September 2024 to include the western and northern borders, aims to address rising migration rates and smuggling activities.
Faeser stated that approximately 1,800 smugglers have been apprehended, and around 40,000 individuals have been turned back at the borders. The minister emphasized the need for these controls until the European Union enhances its external border protections.
The extended border checks will affect crossings with Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, while checks with France had already been implemented due to the upcoming Paris Olympics. Germany has maintained border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland since mid-October 2023, and has enforced checks along the German-Austrian border since the fall of 2015.
Faeser also noted a more than 50% increase in deportations over the past two years, highlighting Germany's unique position in Europe regarding the repatriation of dangerous criminals to Afghanistan. The minister addressed the ongoing debate about the potential return of Syrian refugees, stating that many could return, contingent on a genuine peace in Syria.
While the European Commission has reminded Germany that such border measures should remain exceptional and proportionate, Faeser reiterated the necessity of extending these controls until external EU border protection is significantly strengthened. Recent months have seen a series of attacks in Germany involving foreign nationals, contributing to public concern over security and migration.