The European Commission (EC) considers that the general extensions of border controls in Germany are not sufficiently justified. In a statement from the authority in Brussels, it is stated that the information provided by the federal government does not sufficiently justify the current controls at all borders.
There is no explanation as to why the threat mentioned by the Federal Ministry of the Interior should be the same at every border section. It is also said that there is no reason why a period of six months – and not a shorter period – is considered more appropriate for an extension. In total, border controls have already been extended three times – most recently for another six months until mid-September 2026.
The European Commission is proposing options for the Federal Republic of Germany and other member states to gradually lift controls in the Schengen area. Brussels recommends working towards “the gradual abolition and lifting of internal border controls,” according to a statement.
There are more efficient and effective methods, such as selective police checks or the use of technologies such as biometric identification and vehicle tracking. The European Commission has not set a specific deadline by which Germany and other EU countries must end checks within Europe.
According to the European Commission, there are many complaints. In the statement, the Commission emphasizes that there may nevertheless be grounds for serious concerns regarding the national security of member states and that Germany faces a complex migration situation and many asylum requests.