Niedersachsen’s Minister of Interior, Daniela Behrens, expresses skepticism about the legality of new border refusals for asylum seekers. While she acknowledges the importance of reducing irregular migration, Behrens tells “Welt” that it remains to be seen if these actions will withstand legal scrutiny. The Union, Ampel Coalition and federal states discussed border refusals in September 2025, but they were not implemented due to legal concerns. EU asylum law generally prohibits countries from refusing protection seekers outright, but there is an exception for maintaining public order and internal security. Behrens also points out a significant decrease in asylum seekers in Niedersachsen, with numbers halved in April compared to previous years. She questions the sustainability of the current efforts by the Federal Police and emphasizes the importance of balancing these actions with other responsibilities, such as securing train stations and airports. Ultimately, the Minister of Interior believes that the Federal Minister of the Interior should be responsible for ensuring these actions.
Lower Saxony Doubts Legality of Border Returns Amid Reduced Migration
