Federal Police Under Pressure: Dobrindt Warns Against Permanent Border Controls

At the same time, Dobrindt made clear that, from the Federal Government's perspective, the border controls "keine Dauereinrichtung sein" dürften. He announced: "Wir wollen einen anderen Weg gemeinsam gehen." This common path was possible only because the Federal Police was willing to walk it together. Dobrindt described the service of the officers as "alles andere als eine Selbstverständlichkeit".

Background: Border Controls Since September 2024

The background to the strain is the expansion of stationary controls at all of Germany's external borders. They were ordered in September 2024 by the then-Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) in order to limit irregular migration and strengthen internal security. The measures have since been extended three times in total, most recently until mid-September 2026. In May of the previous year, Dobrindt, as Faeser's successor, additionally tightened the controls.

Within the Schengen Area, which includes most EU states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, border controls are generally not provided for. Germany is thus resorting to an instrument that is possible in exceptional cases but significantly restricts the normal flow of travel.

The Federal Police itself has continuously evolved since its founding as the Federal Border Guard (Bundesgrenzschutz) in 1951. Its main tasks today include protecting rail traffic, securing the maritime border, and aviation security at airports. In addition, its personnel are deployed at major events such as football matches or demonstrations and participate in international missions.

The Evolving Tasks of the Federal Police

In light of these diverse responsibilities, Dobrindt stressed that the additional border duties pose a particular challenge for the organization. He called on the personnel to pursue a common path that distributes the burden and secures the Federal Police's operational capability in the long term.

The celebrations marking the 75th anniversary took place at the headquarters of the Federal Police Presidium in Potsdam. In addition to speeches and a formal ceremony, the event offered an opportunity to trace the agency's historical development from the Federal Border Guard to the modern Federal Police.

Outlook: The Search for a Way Back to Schengen

Politically, the question of how long the controls will remain in place beyond the current term remains open. Dobrindt's indication that they should not become a permanent fixture suggests that the Federal Government aims to return to the Schengen framework as soon as the migration and security policy situation allows. Until then, the Federal Police remains, in the minister's own words, one of the most heavily tasked security agencies in the country.

The debate over the scope, duration, and consequences of the stationary border controls is therefore likely to continue in the coming months. Observers point out that staffing levels, control density, and the impact on cross-border traffic would need to be closely monitored in order to keep the strain on deployed personnel in check.

Regardless, Dobrindt emphasized his respect for the daily work of the officers. He knew, the minister said, that the Federal Police was accomplishing "Großes" - at the borders as well as at airports, train stations, and during international deployments.