Germany Rejects EU Request to Lift Internal Border Controls, Citing Migration Concerns

Germany has officially rejected a European Union request to dismantle its internal border checks, maintaining that the security measures remain absolutely necessary to curb irregular migration.

The declaration was made by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt during an EU interior ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday, where officials gathered to deliberate on the implementation of the bloc's recent migration pact.

Defending Berlin's stance, Dobrindt stated that the ongoing internal border controls have proven highly effective. "The high number of forced returns, the prevention of illegal migration, and the apprehension of human smuggling syndicates all demonstrate the clear efficacy of these border measures," Dobrindt noted, adding that this success is the primary reason Germany intends to sustain them.

While the European Union continues to advocate for a fully open Schengen zone, Germany emphasizes its need for tactical flexibility. Dobrindt clarified that while Berlin remains open to communication and adapting its approach, internal border management will remain a cornerstone of Germany’s security strategy for the foreseeable future.