Germany imposes new border controls amid migration crackdown

Germany has implemented new border controls at all its land borders as part of a crackdown on migration, which has sparked criticism from neighboring countries. The measures, effective from Monday, include internal border checks with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, in addition to existing controls with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. These rules are set to last for an initial period of six months. The German government, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has shifted its stance on migration, moving from a welcoming approach during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis to a more restrictive policy. This change is influenced by rising far-right sentiments and recent terror attacks, prompting officials to emphasize internal security. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the new measures aim to protect citizens from threats posed by Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime. The decision has raised concerns about the unity of the European Union, as neighboring countries like Poland, Greece, and Austria have expressed their discontent. Poland's Prime Minister has labeled the tighter controls as unacceptable, while Germany's Council for Migration warned that the policy could violate EU law. Critics argue that the approach represents a dangerous form of populism in the migration debate. The backdrop to these developments includes a recent fatal attack in Solingen, where a Syrian man with alleged ISIS links was identified as the suspect. This incident has intensified the urgency for the German government to address immigration and security issues, reflecting a broader trend of tightening migration policies across Europe.