German foreign minister defends controls at Polish, Czech borders

BERLIN

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul defended his country's border controls with eastern neighbors during his first official visit to Prague, emphasizing they represent a "temporary measure" until European-wide migration solutions are implemented.

"Irregular migration affects us all, and we therefore need more order, including more order in and with Europe," Wadephul told a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart.

"It's about the security of European citizens, and that's why it's crucial for me that we address this issue at a European level," he added.

He also said that while EU member states have reached an agreement on a common European asylum system and on better protecting external EU borders, these agreements have not been fully implemented.

Wadephul added that implementation will continue step by step.

"Until then, we are in a transitional phase where we are controlling (EU) internal borders," Wadephul said.

"It is important for us in Germany that these temporary measures don't burden cross-border commuters. That's why I'm particularly grateful for the uncomplicated and pragmatic cooperation we have with the Czech Republic," he added.

Germany initiated temporary border controls with Poland and the Czech Republic in 2023 amid a significant increase in irregular migrants entering the country, despite all three nations being within the EU's visa-free Schengen area.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government has further intensified these border controls since taking office in May, creating political tensions with Poland. Leading Polish politicians have accused Germany of pushing migrants out of their territory and into Poland.

On Monday, the Polish government responded by implementing reciprocal temporary border controls at 52 crossings with Germany. Poland's Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak explained that these controls target "those involved in the illegal smuggling of migrants across the border."

According to Polish authorities, the random checks will primarily focus on buses, minibuses, and vehicles transporting multiple passengers.

Unlike Poland, the Czech Republic has not implemented temporary border checks in response to Germany's measures.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky stated on Monday that stricter protection of external borders and consistent action against illegal migration are necessary to preserve the Schengen Area long-term.

"We maintain very intensive relations with Germany at the level of the interior ministers, and cross-border cooperation is robust," Lipavsky told reporters.

"We are trying to do everything we can to ensure that commuters and tourists don't experience problems. The entire approach is based on cooperation, and the effects on residents in the border area will be minimal," he added.