Dobrindt signals extension of stationary border controls beyond mid-March

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has now announced his intention to continue the controls at least until mid-March 2027. In justifying this, he pointed to the ongoing migration situation and the need to continue limiting irregular entries. A corresponding decision would have to be coordinated with European neighbours, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Background: Cities Council appeal

The EU Commission is also involved in the question of border controls, as stationary controls within the Schengen Area are in principle only permissible on a temporary basis and under certain conditions. Germany has repeatedly extended the controls in recent years, citing the security and migration situation.

The issue is also contested within the federal government. While the CSU is pushing for the controls to be continued, there are voices from the SPD and from municipal umbrella organisations that have argued for a gradual return to the normal Schengen regime. SPD politician Nancy Faeser, as the former Federal Interior Minister, had originally expanded the controls, but had also at one point suggested a return to normalised procedures.

Criticism from Brandenburg and the business community

The state government of Brandenburg had also criticised the border controls, pointing to falling asylum application numbers since 2023. The state argues that, given the declining numbers, the controls are no longer justified to the same extent and that the burdens on people in the border regions outweigh any benefits.

In the business community, the controls are causing ongoing disruptions. Haulage companies, retail, and the cross-border labour market are directly affected, according to statements from associations. The German Cities Council had in this context pointed to concrete examples from cities along the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and France.

Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt stressed that an extension of the controls beyond mid-March could not be ruled out, should the migration policy situation require it. In EU circles, it is pointed out that, in view of the upcoming negotiations on a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), close coordination with Brussels will be necessary.

European context and outlook

In political Berlin, the discussion is also being conducted in the context of the domestic policy debate on migration policy. While parts of the Union are calling for a tightening of controls, local politicians and business associations are warning against a permanent restriction of the free movement of persons within the single market.

A final decision on the period of the controls is expected in the coming weeks. Should Dobrindt actually notify the EU Commission of an extension until mid-March 2027, this would be one of the longest phases of stationary border controls within the Schengen Area since their reintroduction in 2015.