Germany's border crackdown sparks EU tensions over immigration policy

In a report in this Sunday's Kathimerini by Pavlos Xanthoulis, Germany’s decision to tighten immigration controls and reintroduce land border checks has raised concerns about the future of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union’s unity on migration policy. Starting September 16, Berlin will implement stricter rules, including possible refugee relocation agreements with countries like Kenya and Moldova, and explore legal changes to automatically reject asylum claims. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also called for expanding the list of "safe countries" for deportation, a move that aligns with Cyprus' goal of designating certain parts of Syria as safe for refugee returns.

France, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, is moving in a similar direction, with plans to establish a new ministry for immigration, integration, and national identity, echoing his previous proposals for a moratorium on asylum seekers. Both nations' policies reflect a hardening stance on immigration ahead of Germany's 2025 elections, driven by rising support for nationalist parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This shift has drawn criticism from EU member states, including Greece and Austria, who argue that unilateral actions threaten EU-wide agreements.

Germany’s opposition, led by the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), has pushed for even stricter measures, including invoking Article 72 of the EU Treaty to reject asylum seekers at the border. While Scholz’s government opposes this, coalition partner FDP has shown support, revealing divisions within the governing alliance.

These moves have sparked discontent across the EU, with countries like Italy, Spain, and Poland expected to challenge Germany's approach at the upcoming October EU summit. Despite the controversy, Cyprus sees potential gains in Germany’s shift, particularly on refugee returns to Syria, which could ease the burden on frontline countries like Cyprus.

As refugee inflows increase, Nicosia is strengthening diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon to counter the migration issue, with direct talks involving national security advisors and intelligence officials. Germany is similarly expanding its contacts in Lebanon, further indicating its broader geopolitical approach to the refugee issue. The outcome of these initiatives, however, remains uncertain, as Germany's internal political landscape shapes the broader EU policy on migration.

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