The German Federal Police have announced plans to take a tougher stance against illegal immigration, contradicting recent statements made by the Chancellor.
The Luxembourg government views this as a thorn in its side, and other neighbouring countries have also voiced criticism of the tightened border controls imposed by Germany. According to the Trier branch of the Federal Police, the first asylum seekers were turned away at the German-Luxembourg border on Friday. The individuals in question were four Afghans – two women and two men – who had initially applied for asylum in Greece and were attempting to enter Germany from Luxembourg.
The new German government under Friedrich Merz had previously announced that, starting next week, border checks would be stepped up further. Even now, cross-border commuters are already facing long delays due to the controls. Luxembourg has formally complained to the European Commission about the situation. There are now questions as to whether these measures comply with EU law.
Conflicting statements from German police and government
The police have stated that, from now on, all refugees will be turned away, except in cases involving particularly vulnerable individuals, according to a spokesperson from the German police union. This contradicts remarks made by Friedrich Merz in Brussels on Friday, where he assured the EU that Germany would be conducting checks similar to those used during last year’s European Football Championship.
Luxembourg refuses to take back rejected migrants
In response to an enquiry by RTL, Luxembourg’s Minister for Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, reiterated that Luxembourg will not take back migrants rejected at the border. He emphasised that the country remains firmly opposed to internal Schengen border controls, while still being open to dialogue. He also said he had a “good and friendly” discussion on the matter last week with Germany’s new Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, with Luxembourgish and German police forces remaining in contact.
