Germany and Austria hold firm on border controls

Background: Controls Since 2015

In June, the EU Commission — citing the EU asylum reform — had recommended reducing internal border controls within the EU. It argues that the new common asylum rules relieve the burden on member states, thereby removing the justification for stationary controls at internal borders. Germany and Austria do not currently share this assessment.

Dobrindt emphasized that the controls were functional, coordinated with one another, and performed an outstanding service. In addition, the integration of immigrants living in the country remained a challenge, according to Dobrindt. This task has not yet been completed. Germany cites to the EU Commission the increased burden on the state and society caused by the high number of refugees since 2015.

Arguments from Both Sides

Karner said the border controls were part of those measures that had helped push back illegal migration. From Vienna's perspective, the controls have thereby contributed directly to reducing irregular migration. Dobrindt also stressed that all parties involved had an interest in making internal border controls superfluous. At present, however, internal border controls are necessary.

Both ministers have always viewed their own controls in connection with a functioning European asylum system and effective EU external border protection. Only once this system operates reliably can the controls at internal borders be gradually scaled back. Until then, both governments intend to maintain the current practice.

Legal Criticism and Outlook

Recently, courts have declared individual controls unlawful. These rulings concerned specific sections of Germany's internal border controls and found that the respective orders were not in line with the Schengen rules. Nevertheless, the governments in Berlin and Vienna see their position confirmed by the current agreement.

With their joint declaration, Germany and Austria are reaffirming their desire for a coordinated migration policy in the Schengen Area. How long the controls will actually remain in place remains open. Both sides tie the end of the measures to concrete progress in the application of the EU asylum reform. It was first reported by Deutschlandfunk on July 15, 2026.

This was declared by Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) following talks in Berlin. According to the interior ministers of both countries, this should remain the case — at least until the effects of the EU asylum reform become clearer. With information from Katrin Aue, ARD Hauptstadtstudio.