🏛️ EU reviews Germany's border practices amid Schengen scrutiny

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The European Commission will begin a review of Germany's border practices in March, following reports that the country has barred certain Ukrainian refugees from entering the EU. Germany's internal border checks, implemented under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have raised concerns about the violation of Schengen rules and the principle of free movement. The evaluation will involve over 60 experts assessing compliance and the impact of alerts in the Schengen Information System on individuals. Neighboring countries are urging the EU to enforce compliance with Schengen regulations more rigorously.

Key points

• The European Commission will evaluate Germany's Schengen compliance starting in March.
• Germany's internal border checks have raised concerns about free movement within the EU.
• Reports indicate that Ukrainian refugees have faced entry bans due to alerts in the Schengen Information System.
• Neighboring countries are urging the EU to enforce compliance with Schengen rules.

Links

• Politico: Europe's open-border dreams meet German politics
• Die Welt: Migration: Schengen-Regeln unter Druck - Brüssel prüft Deutschlands Grenzpolitik - WELT

Facts

• The evaluation of Germany's Schengen compliance will start in March 2026.
• Germany has implemented temporary, randomized police checks along its borders since 2025.
• Alerts for Ukrainian refugees have been placed in the Schengen Information System, blocking their entry.
• The evaluation will involve over 60 experts from EU member states and agencies.

Quotes

• The Schengen area is sliced up like Swiss cheese — Matjaž Nemec, MEP
• The current border controls are necessary to enforce European legal principles — Günter Krings, CDU/CSU parliamentary group

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