According to the German minister, the border checks are part of the successful handling of the virus crisis. Border regions including the Moselle valley are less enthusiastic about the closures.

A number of CDU and SDP politicians such as the Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer, urged Seehofer to put an end to the border checks after more than 7 weeks. Germany's government is nevertheless not backing down.

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Opposition against border checks is gaining momentum in the border regions. Cross-border workers often face long traffic jams, families are torn apart, and profits of shops are dwindling. Several protests will be staged on Saturday, which marks Europe Day.

Belgium is yet to announce an end date to border checks. Discussions with French officials are also still ongoing. France's government announced last Thursday that the exceptional measure would be extended until at least 15 June.

LCGB trade union: "The EU, one of the first victims of the health crisis"

According to trade union LCGB, the EU was one of the first victims of the ongoing virus crisis. Union representatives demand the immediate reopening of the borders. If this step is impossible, the reopening should at least be prepared, the union said in a statement this Friday.

The union also demanded a cross-border concept for the handling of pandemics, a joint recovery plan, and a strong message against nationalism and populism.