Photo by Georg Eiermann on Unsplash
EU Pushes for End to Germany’s Border Controls
One week before the new European asylum reform goes into effect, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner has called for the abolition of internal border controls among EU member states, including Germany. He cited the declining number of asylum seekers crossing borders irregularly as a basis for this recommendation. The reforms are expected to improve conditions that underpin the Schengen Area’s open-border policy, making border checks less necessary going forward [Source 1].
Context of Border Controls and Schengen Area Rules
Since autumn 2024, Germany and eight other EU countries have maintained controls at Schengen internal borders despite the agreement’s objective to abolish such barriers. According to the EU Commission, these controls should be temporary and are only justifiable under exceptional circumstances. The recent asylum reform pact, scheduled to take effect imminently, significantly reduces the need for such measures. However, the Commission has not specified an exact deadline for when Germany and others must end these controls [Source 5].
Poland, for example, extended its controls on the German border for another six months, reflecting ongoing concerns at certain borders. Meanwhile, the EU border agency Frontex reported a 40% decline in irregular border crossings into the EU during the first third of 2026, underscoring decreasing migration pressures [Source 5].
Implications for Expats and International Residents
This development is particularly relevant for expats, international students, and foreign workers residing in Germany who frequently travel within the EU. The planned end of internal border checks will facilitate smoother cross-border movement without additional ID or customs controls, reducing travel-related delays and complexities. Moreover, the imminent asylum reform aims to streamline asylum procedures and border management practices, which may indirectly affect related administrative processes and legal frameworks impacting foreigners in Germany.
Expats should monitor official announcements regarding the exact timing and modality of border control abolishment to plan travel accordingly. While the removal of internal border controls will ease mobility, individuals are advised to maintain valid travel documents and stay informed on any transitional measures. It is important to note that some countries like Poland continue border controls for now, so cross-border travel may still face localized checks depending on destination [Source 5].
EU Commission’s Position and German Response
The EU Commission views a phased removal of border controls in nine member states as feasible and timely, including for Germany. Migration Commissioner Brunner expressed understanding for the initial strict border regime at Germany’s borders due to high migration pressure but indicated that the situation has improved enough to warrant reducing these controls [Source 6].
German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt justified the previous control measures under the EU Treaty’s provisions allowing exceptions for public order and security. Still, the Commission’s pressure for rollback reflects its broader push to restore full Schengen functionality. The new asylum reform agreement, set to come into force in a matter of days, offers a policy framework to better manage asylum seekers, addressing member states’ security concerns while enabling freer movement [Source 3][Source 4].
For expats and long-term residents, this signifies a gradual return to the pre-2015 Schengen norm, easing international travel within the EU and potentially simplifying cross-border commuting, study, or work-related trips.
More details on these developments can be found in the original reporting from Tagesschau: Source Article [Source 1].
