Germany's tighter border controls take effect, irking neighbours

16/9/2024 19:00

        Germany reintroduced temporary controls on its western and northern borders on Monday as part of efforts to combat irregular migration and cross-border crime, the interior ministry said.
        
        The restrictions are part of a series of measures Germany has taken to toughen its stance on irregular migration following a surge in arrivals, in particular people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, and a rise in support for the opposition far-right and conservatives.
        
        The checks will now apply at Germany's land borders with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Denmark for an initial six months, marking a further setback to free movement within the European Union.
        
        They were already in place at crossings with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
        
        Federal police will conduct these controls flexibly, basing their actions on the current security situation and focusing on minimising disruption to commuters, travellers and trade, the ministry said.