German authorities have tightened border controls with Luxembourg and other neighbouring countries, a decision that has drawn criticism from Luxembourg's government for being at odds with the principles of the Schengen Agreement.
Since 16 September, the German government has implemented police controls at its borders with Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Similar checks were already in place at Germany's borders with Poland, Czechia, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as with France since the Paris Olympic Games. These measures are expected to remain in effect for six months.
A preliminary report revealed that, over the past two weeks, German police recorded 2,500 illegal attempts to enter the country and made 49 arrests.
When asked about Luxembourg's position, Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden stated that at the upcoming European Council meeting, the Grand Duchy will reiterate its disapproval of the border controls. Gloden argued that such measures "are not in the spirit of Schengen" and called for enhanced cooperation to strengthen Europe's external borders instead.
The minister also disclosed that, in the early days of the checks, a few individuals who were refused entry by German authorities attempted to enter Luxembourg. In response, the government issued "clear instructions," with Gloden emphasising that no legal agreement exists between Luxembourg and Germany to allow the Grand Duchy to accept individuals denied entry by German authorities. However, Gloden noted that these incidents involved "one or two people" and that he has not been informed of any similar cases since.
Gloden further mentioned that the Luxembourg government remains in communication with German authorities and police, particularly in relation to traffic congestion on the A64 caused by the border controls.
