Germany’s recent decision to extend border checks for six months along its western and northern borders, aimed at curbing irregular migration, has triggered concerns across Europe. Athens has already conveyed a strong message, emphasizing that any unilateral suspension of the Schengen Agreement will not be tolerated.
This issue is expected to be raised at the upcoming European Council meeting in Brussels, as political backlash has already begun.
Greece appears to be aligned with other nations opposing Germany’s decision, which challenges the Schengen Agreement and, by extension, the European Union’s migration policy. Poland, Austria, and Italy have also voiced strong criticism against Berlin’s move.
A united front: Athens and Paris
During a meeting at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece’s Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, and his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, agreed that coordinated action between the two countries is essential for addressing the migration crisis.
Gerapetritis highlighted the importance of a fair distribution of responsibilities within the framework of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum. He stressed the need to “tackle the external dimension of migration and coordinate efforts to combat the smuggling networks that exploit human suffering.”
Both nations reaffirmed their deep commitment to the European project and their shared desire to see the EU not only survive but thrive.
Séjourné, who has been nominated by French President Emmanuel Macron for the role of the country’s EU Commissioner, emphasized that there is a strong alignment on European matters. He reiterated that the two countries will do everything in their power to ensure the successful implementation of the Migration Pact.
He also noted the importance of showing that laws passed at the European level are enforceable and that there should be no differing approaches to migration within the EU.
Scholz’s efforts to reassure
Germany’s shift to the right on migration, coupled with the pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government to maintain balance, led to the Berlin decision, which now tests European cohesion and raises concerns about free movement within the EU.
In an attempt to reassure Europe, Scholz stated that his government is acting “within the framework of European law while maximizing the available options.”
According to the German newspaper Bild, Scholz has begun a series of phone calls with European leaders to explain his decision. The first calls were reportedly made to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, and Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden.
Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser described the new measures as “targeted and intelligent, using both fixed and mobile controls.”
Meanwhile, the opposition in Germany is pushing for stricter controls, demanding “closed borders.”
However, under the Schengen Borders Code (SBC), EU member states can temporarily reinstate border checks at internal borders in cases of serious threats to public security or public order, as a last resort.
European reactions
Germany’s tightening of border controls has caused a ripple effect across EU member states, as the shadow of the migration crisis once again looms over Europe.
The European Commission has reminded states that such measures must be truly exceptional, temporary, and respect the principle of proportionality as outlined by the Schengen Borders Code.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Germany’s actions, calling them unacceptable, and warned that stricter border checks could lead to a “de facto suspension of the Schengen Agreement on a large scale.”
Austria’s government made it clear that Vienna would not accept migrants who were rejected at the German borders.
Former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also expressed opposition to Germany’s decision.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his hardline stance on migration, offered a sarcastic welcome to Germany: “Germany, welcome to the club!” he said, addressing Chancellor Scholz. Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders of the Party for Freedom (PVV) called the move a “good idea.”
This escalating tension highlights the increasing divide within the EU on migration policy, raising concerns about the future of free movement within the Schengen Area.
