Germany has started temporary border checks today, Monday.
The purpose of border checks is to prevent asylum seekers who have already submitted an asylum application in another EU country from entering Germany and to intervene in cross-border crime.
Border checks are carried out at Germany’s borders with nine neighboring countries. So far, the traffic has been smooth at the border crossing points without major traffic jams. Inspections are carried out in a targeted manner only for some of the border crossers.
Inspections have been criticized as ineffective. In addition, according to critics, they violate the principle of free movement in the Schengen area.
The German government has tightened its immigration policy this year.
Reuters