To prevent a possible surge of migrant arrivals, Germany may impose fresh border controls with France and Switzerland.
Helmut Teichmann, Germany’s state secretary responsible for migration at the federal interior ministry, told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper on August 5 that Berlin is considering stronger border control measures along the French and Swiss border.
As reported by Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, Teichmann said authorities are alarmed by the increased number of migrants arriving to Spain after Rome prevented boats carrying migrants to dock at Italian ports.
“We fear that many migrants could make their way to France, the Benelux countries and Germany,” said Teichmann. He added that German authorities are ready to provide assistance to Spain to better handle a new wave of migration.
In 2015, Germany allowed nearly 900,000 migrants to enter the country under Chancellor Angela Merkel‘s open door policy. But Berlin is hoping to avoid a repeat, reported DW.
In other related news, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, met with Spain’s Vice-President Carmen Calvo and government ministers to discuss immigration.
Following the August 4 meeting, the following joint statement was issued: “During today’s meeting the European Commission and the Government of Spain discussed the current situation and the measures taken by Spain, including contingency plans to be adopted this summer.”
The Commission has awarded nearly €30m in emergency assistance to Spain. This includes €25.6m awarded on July 2 and further €3m adopted last week.
According to the joint statement, the Commission will continue to show solidarity with Spain, which proved an exemplary European spirit when faced with migration challenges, and is ready to provide further financial or technical assistance.”
