These border controls aim to prevent hooligans and extremists from entering Germany but have caused significant disruption to road traffic, particularly during the evening rush hour. The Luxembourg Ministry of Home Affairs now stated that these measures had not been agreed upon in their current form.
On Thursday, at the European Union’s Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) meeting in Luxembourg, Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden addressed the issue with his German counterpart, Nancy Faeser.
“I had not been informed that the German federal police would be conducting checks on the bridge itself. We were told it would occur on German territory, inside the country. That’s why I spoke to Ms Faeser again this morning. She showed understanding and assured me she would intervene again,” Gloden explained.
Gloden emphasised that he does not question the necessity of border controls, stating that “security is paramount.” However, he acknowledged the frustration of motorists who face long traffic jams during rush hour.
The European Football Championship kicks off on Friday with the Germany-Scotland match. Border controls are expected to remain in place until 19 July.
