Border Checks Criticized as Costly and Ineffective

Border Delays and Daily Life Disruptions Increase

Cross-border traffic between Germany and its neighbors Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands continues to face significant obstacles, as border controls remain in place despite growing criticism. Recent closures on the Dutch side, particularly in the town of Beek near Elten, caused heavy traffic congestion during holiday weekends. Roads such as the Eltenseweg and Zum Waldkreuz were blocked to prevent drivers from avoiding Germany’s checkpoints along the A3 motorway.

Local officials expressed frustration with the increased traffic burden on nearby towns. Elten’s village head, Albert Jansen, warned that the recurring congestion is no longer acceptable, especially with summer holidays approaching. The closures are part of coordinated efforts between German and Dutch authorities, yet the mounting pressure on residents and travelers has reopened debate on the necessity of such strict enforcement practices.

Border Policy Under Fire in Bavaria

Meanwhile, in Bavaria, Marlene Schönberger, a Bundestag member representing Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, is calling for an end to what she describes as unlawful and wasteful border enforcement measures along the Austrian and Czech borders. Citing internal government figures, Schönberger reported that in some weeks, federal police returned fewer than three individuals per day at these checkpoints. In one recent case, no rejections occurred along the Czech border.

Only about five percent of those turned away nationwide were actual asylum seekers, highlighting what critics see as the symbolic nature of these controls rather than a functional deterrent. According to Schönberger, these actions not only violate court rulings but also waste more than €100 million annually in federal resources. She added that overworked border police, delayed commuters, and local business losses in border regions have been ignored by those continuing the policy.

Political Messaging and Legal Concerns

The controversy is also being tied to political narratives. Critics accuse members of the Christian Social Union (CSU), especially Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, of using the border measures as populist campaign tools with no measurable security benefit. Schönberger stated that the enforcement was never designed for practical effect, and instead serves as a performance of political toughness. She labeled the policy as both a constitutional risk and a financial drain that undermines the rule of law.

The argument goes beyond effectiveness. Legal experts have pointed to earlier court rulings that found parts of Germany’s border enforcement practices to be in breach of European Union laws, especially concerning the free movement of people and asylum procedures. Despite this, no structural changes have been introduced, and enforcement continues without new legal safeguards.

European Cooperation Remains Critical

The broader European context adds another layer to the issue. While border closures and traffic chaos dominate headlines, cooperation between Germany and its neighbors remains essential for the continent’s stability. Nowhere is this more evident than in the ongoing collaboration between Germany and France, which continues to serve as a model for cross-border partnership.

Since the signing of the Élysée Treaty in 1963, Germany and France have strengthened their ties through shared political goals, educational exchanges, and cultural programs. One standout example is the joint work of craft chambers from Berlin and Paris. Their recent project, “The Art of Making 2025,” showcased collaborative craftsmanship at the Berlin Museum of Decorative Arts, drawing large crowds and demonstrating the real-world benefits of binational projects.

This bond extends to vocational education, supported by Erasmus+ programs that send German apprentices abroad to gain hands-on experience in French cities like Calais, Paris, and Marseille. These exchanges underline that mobility and open borders are not abstract ideals but real tools for learning and growth. They also reinforce that the value of international cooperation reaches far beyond trade—it strengthens shared European identity.

Contrasts Between Practice and Policy

The difference between symbolic control and practical integration is becoming more visible. On one hand, residents face long delays and rising frustration from temporary roadblocks and police presence, with questionable impact on security. On the other, institutions and individuals continue to deepen cross-border cooperation, particularly in areas like education, art, and youth mobility.

At a time when labor markets, climate initiatives, and defense efforts depend on unity, critics argue that border controls are sending the wrong signal. They say that rather than reinforcing safety, these policies weaken trust in EU agreements and divert energy away from challenges that require international coordination.

Germany’s current approach appears increasingly out of sync with the larger European project. While Berlin and Paris prepare the next round of joint cultural exhibitions and vocational partnerships, traffic bottlenecks and legal uncertainty are spreading along its other borders.

The growing tension between national policy and European integration now demands urgent attention—not only for the sake of smoother travel, but to ensure that trust, legality, and cooperation are not eroded at the edges of the union.