(de-news.net) – Citing declining irregular migration and the implementation of the EU asylum reform, the European Union has increased pressure on Germany to reduce its internal border restrictions. While police unions stress operational needs and the tourism industry warns of financial implications, Berlin and Vienna maintain that the restrictions are still necessary.
The European Union has renewed its call for Germany to begin a gradual rollback of its internal border controls, with EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner arguing that conditions now support a progressive reopening. In remarks reflecting the European Commission’s broader position, Brunner pointed to the sharp decline in irregular border crossings and the entry into force of the EU’s reformed asylum system as evidence that the exceptional measures introduced by member states should increasingly give way to the normal functioning of the Schengen area.
According to Germany’s Federal Police, approximately 3,300 unauthorized entries were recorded in June, representing a decline of nearly 900 compared with May and roughly 2,300 fewer than in June 2025. The figures coincide with the implementation of the EU asylum reform, which entered into force in mid-June and is intended to accelerate asylum decisions through procedures at the bloc’s external borders while facilitating more consistent returns of those not entitled to remain. European officials have cited both developments as indicators that the circumstances underlying the prolonged internal border controls have changed.
Despite those trends, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reaffirmed after talks in Berlin that both governments intend to maintain their respective border controls. Their position contrasts with repeated calls from Brussels for a gradual restoration of normal Schengen travel. Although routine internal border checks are generally incompatible with the Schengen framework, member states may temporarily reintroduce them under exceptional circumstances, provided the measures are notified to the European Commission and periodically renewed. Germany’s current authorization remains in effect until September. Initially introduced at the Austrian border in 2015, the controls were later expanded to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland in 2023 before being extended to Germany’s remaining neighboring countries. German courts have also ruled on several occasions that certain internal border checks and pushback practices were unlawful.
Police back measures as tourism industry warns of economic costs
The German and Austrian interior ministers nevertheless maintained that the measures remain effective and closely coordinated. Karner argued that the controls had contributed to reducing irregular migration, while Dobrindt emphasized that Germany had consistently regarded them as temporary safeguards pending the establishment of a fully functioning European asylum system. He indicated that Berlin would continue to monitor the implementation and practical effects of the asylum reform before considering any adjustment to the current border policy, underscoring the government’s view that the existing measures remain necessary for the time being.
Police unions expressed confidence that the continuing controls would remain manageable during the peak summer travel season, citing the experience of frontline officers in distinguishing tourists, cross-border commuters, and business travelers from suspected smugglers or individuals attempting unauthorized entry. At the same time, union representatives warned that many permanent checkpoints still lacked adequate infrastructure, including sufficient sun protection, climate-controlled facilities, and the operational flexibility needed to respond quickly to changing circumstances. They argued that improved infrastructure, together with expanded use of modern border-control technology, digital applications, and artificial intelligence, would strengthen operational effectiveness while further reducing inconvenience for legitimate travelers.
Germany’s tourism industry, meanwhile, warned that prolonged border controls could carry broader economic consequences. The German Tourism Association emphasized that the country’s competitiveness as an international destination depends on convenient cross-border accessibility and reliable travel conditions. It cautioned that delays during the peak holiday season could disproportionately affect border regions as well as day-trip and short-stay tourism. The association therefore argued that security measures should be implemented in a manner that minimizes disruption to travelers and tourism businesses while ensuring that journeys to Germany remain predictable, efficient, and as seamless as possible during the busiest travel period of the year.
