Germany Reintroduces Border Checks at Nine Borders

Germany has reintroduced border checks at all nine of its land borders to curb irregular migration and combat crime, following recent extremist attacks that heightened security concerns. These checks, which began on Monday and are set to last six months, target borders with France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, in addition to existing controls at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the measures aim to tackle Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime. Critics argue that these steps challenge the EU's Schengen Agreement and are more symbolic than effective, with migration experts suggesting that processing asylum applications at the EU's external borders would be more sustainable. The move comes amid rising support for the far-right and conservative parties in Germany and ahead of a state election in Brandenburg.