Germany’s New Border Controls Face Criticism and Limited Success Amid EU Tensions

Germany has recently reinstated border checks in an effort to manage irregular migration, a move that has sparked significant criticism from both Greek media and politicians. Additionally, the German Police Union (GdP) has reported minimal effectiveness of these new measures, highlighting challenges in their implementation.

Greek Concerns Over Germany’s Migration Policy

The decision by Germany to reintroduce border controls has been met with strong opposition in Greece. Media outlets and political figures in Athens have labeled the move as “anti-European,” suggesting that it signifies the German government’s capitulation to the far-right populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Prominent Greek newspapers have run headlines such as “Closed borders, open wounds” and “Code Red,” expressing fears that Germany’s actions could trigger a domino effect across the European Union. This concern stems from the potential for other EU member states to adopt similar measures, which Greece fears would exacerbate migration pressures on its already strained resources.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has voiced apprehensions that Germany might reject migrants who initially sought asylum in Greece, forcing them to return. Reports from Greek media suggest that Germany could seek to repatriate up to 30,000 Afghan refugees to Greece, accompanied by financial incentives. Although the Greek Migration Ministry has not confirmed these claims, the lukewarm responses have intensified Greek fears of increased migration burdens.

Police Union Reports Limited Effectiveness of New Border Controls

Approximately one week after the introduction of the new border controls, Germany’s Police Union (GdP) has evaluated the measures as largely ineffective. Andreas Roßkopf, the GdP chairman, reported a “relatively low number” of apprehensions involving unauthorized individuals or human smugglers. The GdP highlighted that the majority of migrants and smugglers are circumventing the controls by avoiding official checkpoints and main roads. This observation suggests that the new border checks are not deterring irregular migration as intended.

Fear of Domino Effect Within the European Union

The Greek government fears that Germany’s border control measures could set a precedent for other EU countries, potentially leading to stricter migration policies across the union. This scenario would place additional pressure on frontline states like Greece, which already manage significant numbers of asylum seekers and refugees. The Greek Prime Minister has emphasized that Greece cannot bear a disproportionately high load of migration, especially when other countries might follow Germany’s lead, undermining the collective efforts of the European Union to manage migration effectively.

German Government’s Justification and Political Context

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) justified the reintroduction of border checks by citing threats from Islamist terrorism and recent incidents of violence involving refugees. The measures, initially set for six months, aim to reduce illegal immigration and enhance national security. However, critics argue that the decision aligns with far-right agendas, potentially fueling xenophobic sentiments and undermining European unity.

Impact on Migrants and Asylum Seekers

The reintroduced border controls have significant implications for migrants and asylum seekers. Many individuals who arrive in Greece seeking refuge now face uncertainty as Germany attempts to limit their onward movement. Recognized asylum seekers in Greece can legally travel within the EU for limited periods, but the new German policies could disrupt their plans for resettlement or further protection in other member states.

Future Implications for EU Policies

Germany’s decision has ignited a broader debate on migration policies within the European Union. Experts fear that unilateral actions by major member states could weaken the Schengen Agreement, which allows for passport-free travel across many European countries. Maria Gavounelli, director of the Greek think tank ELIAMEP, described the border checks as “short-sighted,” arguing that they threaten European integration and fail to address the root causes of migration.

Political scientist Prof. Panayiotis Ioakimidis criticized the German government for adopting extreme right-wing policies under the guise of countering the AfD’s rise. He cautioned that such measures might inadvertently accelerate support for far-right parties, as seen in other EU countries like France and the Netherlands.

Responses from German and Greek Authorities

German authorities maintain that the border checks are a necessary response to security threats and migration challenges. Interior Minister Faeser has called for solidarity among EU member states to share the responsibility of managing migration flows. Meanwhile, Greek officials continue to urge Germany and other EU countries to uphold their commitments to the Schengen Agreement and support Greece in handling migration more effectively.

Moving Forward

As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of Germany’s new border controls remains uncertain. Both Greek media and political leaders continue to express concerns over the potential long-term impacts on European unity and migration management. Concurrently, the German Police Union’s assessment of the border measures as largely ineffective underscores the complexities involved in controlling irregular migration through stringent border checks alone. The ongoing dialogue between Germany and Greece, along with other EU member states, will be crucial in determining the future of migration policies within the European Union.