Germany Implements Stronger Border Controls to Combat Rising Human Trafficking Menace at Polish and Czech Republic Borders

Germany has announced plans to strengthen its border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic in order to combat human trafficking. The decision comes in the midst of a heated debate over migration policies and a substantial increase in asylum applications. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that police will implement additional flexible checks and mobile controls along smuggling routes at the border with both countries.

The minister emphasized that with the backing of Polish and Czech authorities, the measure would take immediate effect. She stressed the urgent need to halt the inhumane operations of smugglers, who prioritize maximum profit over human life.

The announcement coincided with the interior minister's suggestion of establishing permanent border controls along the borders with both of its eastern neighbors this week. These measures, however, would only be temporary and in accordance with the rules of the Schengen Areas.

Previously, the only region in Germany that had fixed border controls was Bavaria, which shares a border with Austria. This was a result of the migration crisis between 2015 and 2016, during which Germany, as the leading economy in Europe, welcomed over a million refugees.

Police detained suspects along the German-Polish border near the German town of Forst, September 20, 2023.

Lisi Niesner/Reuters

A hot topic ahead of key regional election

Recently, immigration has regained prominence in German politics. With less than two weeks remaining until the regional elections in the traditionally conservative stronghold of Bavaria and the central state of Hesse, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left coalition may face a significant challenge.

In a recent development, the country's Interior Ministry announced that it would temporarily delay the acceptance of migrants from Italy, as part of a European voluntary solidarity plan, until further notice.

Berlin asserts that it has made the greatest contribution and holds Rome responsible for reneging on its commitment to repatriate asylum seekers rejected by other nations. In her recent speech, Faeser, the representative of Scholz's Social Democratic Party in Hesse, urged the countries on the borders of Europe, such as Italy, to enhance border protection and adhere to the prescribed procedures mandated by Brussels.

"We are fighting to keep internal border controls open within the European Union. But we need this European solution," she said. "Otherwise, Schengen is in danger," she added.

Local governments overwhelmed by asylum applications

Between August and January 2023, there was a significant rise in asylum applications received by the German Office for Migration and Refugees. The number reached over 204,000, reflecting a 77 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. This surge adds to the existing population of approximately one million refugees who sought refuge in Germany due to the conflict in Ukraine and were not obligated to apply for asylum.

Additionally, the German Federal Police recorded a substantial rise in illegal border crossings during the same timeframe. The data revealed a nearly 60 percent increase, with a total of 70,753 illegal entries into the country compared to the previous year.

German police used wristbands to tag suspected illegal migrants detained during a patrol along the German-Polish border, September 20, 2023.

Lisi Niesner/Reuters

Many local governments and municipalities say they have been overwhelmed by the influx, forcing Berlins center-left coalition government to react.

According to Alexander Handschuh, spokesperson for the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, it would be detrimental for municipalities to shoulder the financial burden. He stated that these undocumented refugees are taking up spaces that are urgently required for individuals with legal permission to remain.

Handschuh also expressed that local communities are facing growing challenges in accepting migrants, as they are frequently placed in gymnasiums, thereby reducing sports facilities' availability, which had already been impacted by the pandemic. As the migration crisis escalates on Europe's borders, Der Spiegel's latest issue questions, "Can we overcome this once more?" This reference relates to former Chancellor Angela Merkel's well-known statement in 2015, "We will manage it," which symbolized her government's willingness to embrace migrants.