Former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the unilateral immigration policies of individual EU member states, suggesting they risk “destroying” Europe. She implicitly referenced the stricter border controls enforced by the government of Friedrich Merz.
Speaking at a book event in Neu-Ulm, Bavaria, Merkel remarked, “I don’t believe we can effectively combat illegal immigration at the German-Austrian or German-Polish borders.”
When asked about the new government’s measures, she emphasized her support for European solutions and highlighted the necessity for improved monitoring of the EU’s external borders. “Unilateral actions by individual countries could jeopardize Schengen and the freedom of movement within Europe. We must seek solutions at the EU level; otherwise, we risk undermining Europe, a scenario I would prefer to avoid,” she stated, drawing applause.
The European Parliament also reacted, with Gabriele Bischoff, vice-president of the Social Democrats’ parliamentary group, commenting to Der Spiegel that “the initial effects of Interior Minister Alexander Dobrind’s border controls are traffic jams, frustration, and delays, sending a damaging message to cross-border commuters.”
The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency raised concerns about the implementation of border checks, cautioning against profiling individuals based on appearance or names that may indicate their origin as immigrants.
In a report by ARD, Federal Police Commissioner Uli Grech acknowledged receiving complaints about discrimination but rejected claims that such policies are intentionally practiced. “It’s challenging to generalize these situations. However, it’s important to recognize the reality of these issues. Our mission involves controlling illegal immigration in Germany, but federal police inform me that if we check someone based on skin color, we could face backlash,” he explained, ensuring that “everyone is subject to checks, regardless of appearance, skin color, or religion.”
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
