Impact Level: Notification

Locations Affected: German-Swiss border, German-French border, Baden-Württemberg, Weil am Rhein, Breisach am Rhein, Kehl, Strasbourg, Germany

Tracking Id: RINTP2724235056

Description:

As per reports, the new German government has announced the implementation of stringent border controls due to rising concerns about irregular migration. These measures aim to tighten migration regulations, including the systematic rejection of asylum seekers at entry points. As of Saturday (10 May), several security measures are already in place.

• The current measures involve outright rejections of individuals, with exceptions made only for pregnant women, the ill, and unaccompanied minors. The Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD) has expressed dissatisfaction with the unilateral decision-making and lack of consultation.
• Following a directive from the new Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), increased police deployments and more binding enforcement protocols are being implemented at Germany’s borders. The interpretation of these controls differs significantly across stakeholders.
• While government leadership maintains a moderate stance, law enforcement officials have indicated that border guards are now instructed to deny entry to most asylum seekers and protection seekers. These orders are especially being enacted in regions like southern Baden at the borders with France and Switzerland.
• Operationally, the border crossing between Strasbourg and Kehl witnessed a 30-minute traffic jam due to the checks. The German Federal Police conducted inspections of trams and trains entering from Strasbourg, severely affecting public transportation. This includes the disruption of the tram line connecting Strasbourg and Kehl, a key infrastructure element in this European cross-border region.
• Similarly, at the Weil am Rhein border crossing with Switzerland, police have intensified vehicle inspections and ID checks. While temporary border checks have been in place since October 2023, the recent policy change ends the practice of taking asylum seekers to initial reception centers. The updated policy authorizes border officials to immediately turn back those without entry clearance, albeit with exceptions for vulnerable groups.

Impact:

• Delays and extended travel times are expected due to intensified ID and vehicle checks at crossings with France and Switzerland.
• Disruption of tram and train services are expected, particularly affecting the Strasbourg–Kehl connection.
• Increased queues and congestion are expected at road borders, especially at peak hours.
• Cross-border trade and logistics may face slowdowns due to prolonged inspection protocols. Workforce disruptions are anticipated especially for businesses employing cross-border commuters.
• Decreased reliability of transportation networks may affect supply chains and delivery schedules.
• The introduction of stricter border measures without broad political consensus has heightened friction between governing and opposition parties.
• Switzerland’s objection to the legality of Germany’s rejections may lead to diplomatic tension, affecting bilateral relations and EU-wide border coordination.

Recommendations:

• Advised to allocate additional time for daily travel, especially at border crossings. Recommended to use official transport updates to plan travel around anticipated bottlenecks.
• Advised to carry valid identification and ensure documentation is up to date and readily accessible. Recommended to coordinate with logistics providers to factor in possible delays at border crossings.
• Advised to develop contingency plans to mitigate the impact of staff absenteeism caused by transit delays.
• Recommended to monitor policy updates from German and neighboring country authorities to stay informed about regulatory changes.
• Businesses are recommended to diversify supply chains and consider regional warehousing to buffer against transport volatility.

Sources:
• https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/grenzkontrollen-dobrindt-100.html
• https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/suedbaden/grenzkontrollen-baden-wuerttemberg-weil-am-rhein-kehl-100.html