Thorsten Frei, the incoming Chief of the Chancellor's Office, has announced a significant shift in Germany's border control policies. The new government plans to expand and intensify identity checks at German borders, with stricter enforcement set to begin on May 6. This move aims to curb illegal migration into the country.
The plan includes the refusal of entry to individuals attempting to enter Germany illegally. Asylum seekers will be required to submit their applications in the first European Union country they enter, aligning with European law. This decision marks a departure from Germany's previous stance and signifies a tougher approach to immigration.
Frei emphasized that Germany will no longer be passive in managing its borders and is coordinating with neighboring countries like France, Austria, and Poland to implement these measures. The coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD supports the continuation of these enhanced border controls.
This policy shift, backed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, seeks to improve border management and handle asylum requests more effectively. While the new rules may raise legal concerns regarding European asylum laws, they reflect a broader trend towards stricter immigration policies across the EU. With neighboring countries' support, Germany's new measures symbolize a unified regional effort to address migration challenges.
