Germany will apply to the European Commission to extend controls at its land borders until March 2027, citing the fight against irregular migration. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the government would resolutely pursue this decision.

Dobrindt cited developments at Europe's external borders and "extraordinary circumstances" as reasons for extending border controls. The minister had announced the decision at the end of July. This announcement came after numerous asylum seekers attempted to swim into Spain's autonomous region of Ceuta in North Africa, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people.

Germany's current border controls were expected to end after the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which came into force in June. However, with Berlin's new application, if the European Commission does not object, the controls are expected to be automatically extended for another six months, lasting until March 2027.

Clara Bünger, a Member of Parliament for Germany's Left Party, reacted to the decision. Bünger pointed out that various courts have found no extraordinary situation in Germany to justify border controls.

Bünger argued that unauthorized entries into Germany have significantly decreased in recent years. She stated that border controls lead to racial profiling, disruptions in traffic and logistics, and long vehicle queues. Furthermore, she noted that the controls create millions of euros in additional costs for the Federal Police and increase their overtime burden.

Baba Agency/Munich