TV2 published an article a short while ago about Germany announcing that it will strengthen its border controls with nine neighboring countries for six months starting from Monday, September 16, with the aim of preventing Islamic terrorism and serious crimes, according to the source. Germany shares a border of approximately 3,700 kilometers with the nine countries: Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
The German Interior Ministry stated that this decision comes to protect Germany from “serious dangers posed by Islamic terrorism and serious cross-border crimes.” Interior Minister Nancy Weiser said, according to Reuters, as reported by TV2. “We are working to strengthen our internal security and continue our difficult path against irregular migration.”.
Therefore, German authorities require travelers crossing the border to bring identity documents such as passports.
This move also comes in the wake of the deadly knife attack carried out by a Syrian asylum seeker on August 23 in the town of Solingen, according to the source. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed three people. Since then, discussions about immigration in Germany have intensified, according to the source.
Like Friis, director of Tänketanken Europe, told TV2 that the German government's move was astonishing: "It's a bit of a mess, because Germany has historically been in favor of open borders, and as a result of the terrorist attack in Solingen, the German government has come under maximum pressure.".
The government currently enjoys very little support among voters… the Alternative for Germany party and the Christian Democrats are vying for Chancellor Olaf Scholz.”.
TV2 correspondent Uwe Dreesen believes that the political pressure also stems from the country's problems with illegal immigration.
It is worth noting that since January 4, 2016, Denmark has implemented border controls on the border with Germany, and inspections are still carried out randomly at border crossings into Germany, but starting next week, Germany will work to strengthen its border controls with all nine countries.
