Germany to Maintain Controls at All Internal Borders, New Coalition Agreement Says

Border controls at all German borders must be continued, the new government in Germany has said in its coalition agreement published on April 9, 2025.

In the 144-coalition contract between the CDU, CSU and SPD a commitment to further continue border controls at all internal borders has also been included, Schengen.News reports. 

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, at a joint press conference with coalition partners, in Berlin said that the agreement would establish a strong government which is capable of taking action in response to challenges.

Ending 3-Year Path to German Citizenship 
Merz also unfolded plans to reverse citizenship law reforms applied by the previous government. The new changes mean that the option for migrants to acquire citizenship in Germany after three years of residency would no longer be available. 

Instead, migrants would only be able to obtain citizenship after living in Germany for five years. 

In addition, Merz also highlighted measures to further strengthen policy by expanding digital surveillance capabilities and increasing police powers, according to a report from AA.

Border Controls Effective in Managing Irregular Migration 
In an effort to fight irregular migration, authorities in Germany reintroduced border controls with all neighbouring countries of the Schengen Zone, in September 2024. 

Such measures were set to remain effective until March 15, 2025. However, on February 12, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, arguing that controls are effective, announced that they would be kept in place until September 15, 2025. 

In addition, back then, the German Minister of Interior, Nancy Faeser, said that controls are still necessary.

The Minister argued that the measure was in line with European Union law. 

In spite of arguing the measure is effectively helping Germany in managing irregular migration, the decision was not welcomed among its neighbouring countries. 

Recently, the Interior Minister of Luxembourg, Léon Gloden, said that Germany’s border controls harm both Luxembourg and Germany, considering them ineffective.

Source: https://schengen.news/germany-to-maintain-controls-at-all-internal-borders-new-coalition-agreement-says/