The extension of stringent border control measures was approved relatively quickly by the German Government. However, the issue is sensitive and has sparked considerable controversy within Germany itself, while running somewhat counter to the European Union’s (EU) principle of openness and free movement.
Germany’s decision to “close” its borders has had both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it can effectively stem the tide of illegal immigration. On the other hand, however, it is disrupting Germany’s labour market. This is a particularly difficult issue as Europe’s largest economy faces an ageing population, a shortage of skilled workers and a strong need to attract workers from abroad.
The extension has been approved, and now only the EU’s final green light is awaited. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has officially notified the European Commission (EC) of the plan to extend the border control measures for another six months, until mid-March 2027.
The possibility of the EC rejecting the plan is low, as on previous occasions the European “common home” has shared and endorsed Germany’s legitimate concerns and caution. If the EC raises no objections, the existing measures, which are due to expire in mid-September, will continue to be imposed for a limited period.
Minister Dobrindt has made his determination clear, saying that recent complex developments along Europe’s borders have demonstrated the continued need for remote controls to curb illegal immigration.
Germany’s caution is understandable, having just witnessed 50,000 Moroccan migrants enter Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, within just 24 hours in late July. Although most of these illegal immigrants were deported, the incident caused alarm and concern among Europeans and triggered what was described as a serious humanitarian crisis.
Shortly afterwards, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was forced to announce plans to amend immigration laws to strengthen deportation measures and crack down on human trafficking gangs.
Two years ago, Germany introduced security controls along all its borders, although in principle, internal EU borders are supposed to remain open under the principle of free movement within the Schengen Area. The decision, taken at the time by former Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, was aimed at limiting the number of illegal immigrants entering Germany. Since then, the border control measures have been extended three times, despite criticism from opposition parties and humanitarian organisations.
Critics argue that the measures run counter to the principle of free movement within the EU, waste public funds and cause traffic congestion in border areas. In response, the German Interior Ministry maintains that border controls remain a necessary tool amid mounting migration pressure.
Statistics show that in 2025, German border patrol forces detected nearly 63,000 cases of illegal entry by land, air and sea, down from 84,000 in 2024 and 130,000 in 2023. Of these, more than 46,400 people were refused entry or deported at the border, while 2,500 were stopped because they were subject to re-entry bans. German authorities also arrested nearly 2,000 people involved in illegal human smuggling.
The German Federal Police have affirmed that establishing security barriers directly at the border is essential, as many illegal migrants continue to regard Germany as their “dream destination”.
The extension until mid-March 2027 shows that Germany’s policy of “closing” its borders continues to move towards tighter controls than before 2024. Experts say this also represents a “separate path” that the German Government has carefully considered, as EU countries continue to seek a balance between free movement, immigration control and the protection of the Schengen Area.
