Luxembourg Minister Slams Germany’s Border Controls Amid EU Friction
Luxembourg Condemns Germany’s Border Controls as Harmful to Cross-Border Mobility
Luxembourg’s Interior Minister, Léon Gloden, has sharply criticized Germany’s reintroduced border controls, calling them ineffective and harmful to both countries. He emphasized that the measures pose a threat to the Schengen Zone’s principle of free movement, especially given that over 225,000 cross-border workers enter Luxembourg daily—primarily employed in key sectors such as healthcare and finance.
Germany Defends Border Controls Amid Irregular Migration Concerns
Germany reintroduced border checks with all neighboring Schengen countries in September 2024, citing efforts to curb irregular migration and cross-border crime. On February 12, 2025, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a six-month extension of the controls, pushing their expiration to September 15, 2025, beyond the initial deadline of March 15.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser supported the decision, claiming that the controls have been effective and remain essential. She assured the public that efforts would be made to minimize disruption to commuters and travelers.
Luxembourg Criticizes Lack of Coordination and Traffic Congestion
Despite Germany's assurances, Minister Gloden told Euractiv that the promises to avoid congestion and commuter delays have not been fulfilled. He pointed out the real impact on thousands of cross-border workers and expressed concern over Germany’s unilateral action within the Schengen framework.
Luxembourg Plans Legal Action Against Germany’s Measures
Following Germany’s decision to extend the border controls, Luxembourg’s government announced plans to file a formal complaint with the European Commission. The move is aimed at protecting the principle of free movement and maintaining the integrity of cross-border economic cooperation.
Moreover, Luxembourg’s opposition party LSAP is urging the government to escalate the matter to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). LSAP MP Yves Cruchten criticized the Interior Ministry’s previous measures as insufficient, calling for stronger legal action to challenge Germany’s decision.
German Authorities Cite Results From Border Controls
In defense of the policy, the German Federal Police have reported an increase in the detection of irregular border crossings since the implementation of the controls in mid-September 2024. They argue that the temporary measures are yielding results and are necessary for national security.
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