A shift in European migration policy is anticipated, with nations advocating for stricter measures on irregular migration poised to increasingly shape the agenda, including Germany.
The recent gathering of national interior ministers, led by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, held on the Zugspitze mountain, signals a move by the German government to align with a more restrictive stance within the European Union. Experts suggest this development strengthens the position of those favoring stricter policies within the EU’s Council of Ministers.
A key element of this evolving approach centers on enhanced cooperation with countries outside the EU. Governments are seeking to curtail arrival numbers through these partnerships, potentially mitigating internal disagreements surrounding issues such as returns and border procedures.
Reinforced border controls, including the redirection of asylum seekers, implemented by Dobrindt, are considered by legal experts to be viable only as a temporary measure.
While national actions, such as temporary limitations on family reunification for individuals with subsidiary protection status, are being implemented, the consensus remains that a sustainable solution to migration requires a unified European approach. The discussions on the Zugspitze could provide a framework for a gradual rollback of border controls and eventual cessation, provided a broader European strategy is concurrently developed.