Border Control Measures in Effect Along the German-Dutch and Belgian Borders
Since May, a total of 336 individuals have been turned back at the borders of North Rhine-Westphalia with the Netherlands and Belgium, with a cumulative total of 1,630 since September 2024, according to reports.
In May and June, a total of 320 unauthorized entries were detected at the Dutch border, with 193 individuals turned back, while 210 attempts were made at the Belgian border, with 143 individuals repelled, as reported by the Rheinische Post, citing the Federal Police. The additional deployment of up to 4,000 forces has led to 146 smuggler arrests and 449 warrants issued.
Erich Rettinghaus, a representative of the Police Union, praised the measures, stating, “The numbers speak for themselves, showing that the border controls are correct and sensible.” Lisa-Kristin Kapteinat, the SPD’s parliamentary vice-chair, criticized the approach, saying, “Migration cannot be permanently halted by border controls, but only temporarily delayed.” While the issuance of warrants is viewed positively, the impact on commuters is viewed critically.