Since mid-September last year, German border controls with Belgium, France, and Luxembourg have recorded around 4,100 illegal entries, including roughly 1,300 from Luxembourg.
The German Federal Police recently released updated figures on border controls with Belgium, France, and Luxembourg, which have been in place since mid-September last year. By the end of July, around 4,100 illegal entries were recorded, with roughly 1,300 involving people coming from Luxembourg. Of these, 869 individuals were returned to the Grand Duchy.
Authorities also reported the arrest of 144 so-called "smugglers" and the apprehension of 480 people with outstanding warrants.
Last week, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to extend the controls. In response, the Luxembourg Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the announcement but reiterated its stance that there should be no internal checks within the Schengen Area.
Luxembourg has informed the EU Commission, which will now assess whether the German measures are necessary and proportionate. A response from Brussels is expected later this autumn.
Police overtime
The border controls have also proven costly. Since September last year, they have reportedly cost around €80 million, with nearly half of that going toward police overtime, according to the German government’s response to a parliamentary question from the Left (déi Lénk).
