Border controls within the Schengen Area have become a contentious issue among EU member states, with some countries, including Germany, advocating for their reintroduction as a way to control irregular migration. However, Poland and the Czech Republic have strongly opposed this move, arguing that border checks will not effectively address the issue of illegal migration and that the EU should focus on securing its external borders instead. Several EU countries, including Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and Finland, have already reintroduced or intensified border controls in recent months in response to the ongoing migrant crisis.
The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, criticized Germany’s decision to set up temporary border controls on all of its land borders for six months, calling it “unacceptable.” Tusk argued that random checks create obstacles for legitimate travelers while failing to stem the flow of irregular migration into the Schengen Area. Both Tusk and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s asylum system reforms introduced this year, describing them as “insufficient.” These reforms include a “mandatory solidarity” system that would allow governments under migratory pressure to relocate asylum seekers, a move that Poland and the Czech Republic oppose, as they believe it would force them to accept migrants against their will.
Germany’s decision to tighten its borders comes in response to the rise of far-right, anti-migration parties gaining votes in recent elections. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser justified the enhanced border checks as a necessary measure to combat irregular migration and stop potential criminals and smugglers from entering the country. She emphasized that Germany would maintain these controls until an EU-wide solution is found, while also expressing readiness to be flexible in their approach. Other countries, such as Belgium, have urged caution in implementing domestic border controls to avoid hindering the free movement guaranteed by the Schengen Area.
The issue of border controls has the potential to create a rift within the EU, as different member states hold differing views on how to address irregular migration. While most countries agree on the importance of tackling this issue, there is disagreement on the most effective approach. Some fear that tightening border controls could disrupt the free movement of people across Europe, while others argue that such measures are necessary to ensure security and prevent criminal activity. In presenting a long-term plan to address migration across the bloc, Poland’s Prime Minister Tusk is seeking to find consensus among EU colleagues on how to tackle this complex issue.
Overall, the debate over border controls within the Schengen Area highlights the challenges facing the EU in managing migration and ensuring security while upholding the principles of freedom of movement. As countries take individual measures to address irregular migration, finding a common approach that balances security concerns with the need for cooperation and solidarity remains a key challenge for the EU. The differing perspectives among member states underscore the complexity of the issue and the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to effectively address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
