Germany stirs discontent among its European counterparts by strengthening border controls across all land frontiers.
Starting from next week, Germany will also enforce strict internal border controls alongside Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, in addition to France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
As per a declaration from the Interior Ministry, Germany will now have the authority to deny entry to individuals at all land borders. Initially, these measures will be in effect for a six-month duration.
This development signifies a significant shift in Germany's stance on the contentious matter of immigration over the past few years.
During the migrant crisis of 2015-2016, the German government, under Angela Merkel, took in over a million new immigrants. However, presently, Germany is aligning with other European nations in tightening regulations due to a resurgence in far-right opposition.
The transformation comes after Germany and Kenya agreed on a controlled migration arrangement on Friday, with Berlin committing to accept skilled and semi-skilled Kenyan laborers.
In a public announcement, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser declared that Germany was bolstering internal security through tangible actions and maintaining a firm stance against unauthorized immigration.
She hinted that the objective was to safeguard German citizens against the dangers posed by Islamist terrorism and severe transnational crime.
This decision has stirred concerns about the European Union's usability and attracted criticism from Germany's neighboring countries.
Germany belongs to the Schengen border-free area. According to EU regulations, member states have the ability to reestablish border control at domestic borders if there is a severe threat to public policy or internal security. However, such measures should be a last resort.
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that tighter controls at land borders were not acceptable for Poland, and Warsaw requested an emergency consultation with all concerned parties. Both Greece and Austria have stated that they would not accept migrants rejected by Germany.
In Germany itself, the Migration Council voiced concern that the plan could violate EU law.
"The goal to return (refugees) seeking protection at Germany's borders represents a dangerous form of populism in the migration policy debate," a statement read, urging for a rational migration policy discussion in Europe.
Germany's government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has been motivated to act against uncontrolled immigration following criticism of its inaction.
Germany's immigration policies have hardened over the past few years due to a rise in arrivals, particularly from the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as terror attacks driven by Islamic extremism.
In an attempt to counteract the country's growing far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), the coalition government is taking measures to address its extreme anti-immigrant and anti-Islam stance.
The new security package was launched in response to a deadly attack in Solingen on August 23, during which three people were fatally stabbed.
The suspect was identified as a 26-year-old Syrian man linked to ISIS, who had previously been scheduled for deportation.
The strict border controls implemented by Germany will not only impact its neighboring countries within Europe but also have implications for migration movements around the world.
This shift in Germany's immigration policy is being closely watched by other nations within the Schengen border-free area, as well as in the global context of migration patterns and policies.
