Since Monday morning at 8am, a stationary checkpoint has been in operation on the German side of the Trier Autobahn, just a few kilometers beyond the Luxembourg border.
Although border checks officially began at midnight, the stationary checkpoint is set up to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, for the next seven days. According to Stefan Döhn, spokesman for the Trier Federal Police, only random checks are being conducted in an effort to minimise disruption for commuters. “We aim to inconvenience border commuters as little as possible,” Döhn explained in an interview with RTL.
However, slight delays were reported around noon, resulting in a brief 10-minute traffic jam. While authorities seek to avoid major disruption to everyday traffic, drivers are advised to have their documents, including identity cards and vehicle papers, ready for inspection. Around 3pm, there was still a delay of 20 minutes according to RTL mobile reporters.
Germany expanded border controls to the frontiers with all of its nine neighbours in hopes of curbing the flow of irregular migrants, a move that has sparked protests from other EU members. The German government has applied to the EU Commission for permission to extend these checks.
"If someone arrives who is not allowed to enter, has a re-entry ban, lacks a visa, or does not possess the necessary documentation for Germany, they will be turned back to Luxembourg," Döhn noted.
According to Döhn, these checks, initially introduced during the European Football Championship, revealed that illegal migration remains a significant issue, even though the Luxembourg-Germany border is not a primary entry route.
While no specific numbers were provided, Döhn indicated that various infractions were detected during previous controls. Those who are refused entry at the border are handed over to Luxembourg authorities.
Statement of Saar-Lor-Lux-Internationale (SLLI)
In a letter, socialists from the Greater Region have expressed serious concerns about the future of a borderless Europe, which they believe is at risk due to actions like the border controls implemented by Germany. They argue that such measures could lead to significant delays and disruptions in cross-border exchanges, particularly affecting commuters. The socialists also warn of potential negative economic consequences for the region.
The SLLI (Socialist Left of the Greater Region) emphasises the importance of proportionality in addressing illegal migration. They argue that fixed border controls are not justified, as there is no evidence to suggest that the Greater Region is a significant route for illegal migration.
The group calls for border checks to be conducted within the country rather than at the borders and stresses that the duration of the controls should be kept to a minimum. They also urge authorities to continuously reassess the situation to ensure the measures remain appropriate.
