Newsroom
Germany is about to make a big change at its borders, and it could affect a lot of people. Starting September 16, 2024, Germany will start checking everyone who crosses its land borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. These checks are already in place with Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Germany says the new controls are meant to stop illegal immigration and protect against terrorism and serious crime. But many people think this move is more about politics than real security concerns. The decision follows a surprising election result in eastern Germany where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party did very well. The government seems to be responding to worries about immigration that are popular with voters right now.
The Schengen area, which includes most of Europe, usually allows people to travel freely between countries without border checks. However, these checks are allowed only in emergencies. Germany's decision to extend border controls might weaken this system and cause problems for other European countries.
People traveling from other countries to Germany will now face more scrutiny. If you’re planning a trip to Germany or traveling through it to other European countries, you might have to deal with more delays and checks at the borders.
Other European countries have also been reintroducing border checks for various reasons, such as fears of terrorism or large numbers of migrants. Germany’s new rules might set a precedent that could lead to even more strict controls across Europe.
Economically, reintroducing these checks could cost Europe billions of dollars in lost growth. Many experts worry that if these border controls become common, it could hurt the free movement of people in Europe and create tensions between countries.
[With info from The Guardian]
