Several German states have already begun enforcing tighter border controls in response to new federal policies introduced by the recently formed government. The measures come as part of a broader crackdown on asylum procedures led by the new Interior Minister.
On Wednesday, Alexander Dobrindt, the newly appointed Interior Minister from the CDU, announced an expansion of border enforcement efforts aimed at curbing the entry of asylum seekers who have already submitted applications in other EU countries. According to the plan, such individuals will be turned away at the border, with allowances made for pregnant women and children.
Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia stated that enhanced border checks are already being conducted along crossings with the Netherlands and Belgium.
Meanwhile, officials in Bavaria—sharing borders with Austria and the Czech Republic—confirmed similar actions, emphasizing efforts to minimize disruption for regular travelers. As part of the measures, a permanent checkpoint is being reinstated at the Saalbrücke bridge, which connects to Salzburg, Austria.
Migration was a key issue during the recent snap election campaign in Germany. The policy shift has already begun to reflect in migration data, with Germany losing its long-held position as the top destination for asylum applications in Europe for the first time in years.
