EU reaches out to Germany over temporary border controls

BRUSSELS

The European Union has engaged with Germany concerning its decision to impose border controls on all intra-Schengen borders for the next six months, an EU Commission spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.

Anitta Hipper, the spokesperson, stated that the EU Commission was informed by the German Interior Ministry about the decision.

"According to Schengen border regulations, member states have the authority to reintroduce internal border controls if necessary and proportionate to address significant threats to public policy or internal security," Hipper explained.

"The EU Commission is coordinating with Schengen authorities, who are in close contact with German authorities as well as other member states currently enforcing internal border controls."

When questioned about whether Germany was reminded of the procedure for introducing such controls only in extraordinary situations, Hipper indicated that the review is focused on understanding the rationale behind Germany’s decision and no further comments are being made at this time.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser announced on Monday that the country would reinstate checks at all land borders to curb irregular migration.