Germany Extends Internal Border Controls Until September 2025

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced today, February 12, that Germany will extend its temporary internal border controls with all neighboring countries for another six months after the current measure expires.

The existing border controls are set to end on March 15, but with this extension, the measures will remain in place until September 15, 2025.

“Today, we have again ordered temporary controls at all German borders for six months and notified the European Commission,” stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany originally reinstated border checks with all neighboring Schengen countries in September 2024 to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime. Despite objections from some EU member states, Germany has continued to enforce strict border controls.

Interior Minister Faeser: Measures Effective and Still Necessary

German Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser confirmed that she had ordered the extension of internal border controls at all German land borders beyond March 15. Faeser emphasized the success of the measures and their continued importance.

“The federal police will continue to carry out checks at all German borders. Today I ordered these checks for a further six months. Because our actions are effective and are still necessary,” stated Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

Faeser also highlighted the role of border controls in curbing irregular migration and disrupting human smuggling operations. She stressed that Germany’s border policy aligns with EU law.

“We are stopping people smugglers who brutally turn people into commodities and smuggle them across borders. And we are putting a stop to criminals and extremists. We will continue to work in close coordination with our neighboring countries – without dangerous national unilateral actions and in accordance with European law,” said Faeser.

The German authorities assured that the controls will be implemented in a targeted manner, with efforts to minimize disruption to travel and commuter traffic. However, they acknowledged that occasional traffic delays cannot be entirely ruled out.

Significant Number of Irregular Entries Detected Since Controls Began

According to data from the German Ministry of Interior, since the introduction of internal border controls on September 16, a substantial number of irregular entries have been detected. The German Federal Police have reported approximately 80,000 cases of irregular entry during the five-month period.

Additionally, during this time, German police arrested 1,900 people smugglers and refused entry to approximately 47,000 individuals who failed to provide a valid travel document, visa, or residence permit.

With today’s announcement, Germany reinforces its commitment to maintaining border security while continuing to coordinate with neighboring countries under EU law.

By fLEXI tEAM