The former German chancellor believes the EU won’t survive without open borders
Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, has cautioned that stricter national policies regarding migration and border controls could lead to the collapse of the European Union. Her warning comes after Germany recently took steps to limit the number of asylum seekers entering the country.
Merkel made these comments at the ‘Southwestern Press Forum’ in Neu-Ulm last week, where she was promoting her memoir, Freedom.
Asked about the latest measures implemented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, Merkel stated, “I do not believe we can decisively combat illegal migration at the German-Austrian or German-Polish border… I have always advocated European solutions.”
The new policies, introduced earlier this month by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, prevent asylum applications at Germany’s land borders – a significant shift from Merkel’s open-border policy in 2015. Exceptions are made for vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women.
Merz promised to reinforce border controls during his campaign leading up to February’s snap elections, driven by increasing public support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), known for its strict anti-immigration stance.
The AfD finished second with 20.8% of the national vote but was excluded from coalition talks and government formation by mainstream parties. Earlier this month, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) officially labeled the AfD a “confirmed extremist entity.” The classification was temporarily suspended after legal challenges and public opposition, but senior officials, including members of the ruling coalition, are still seeking legal avenues to formally ban the party.
This week, German police warned that they might only be able to enforce the new border regulations for “a few more weeks” due to the strain on personnel deployed at the borders. This is despite the government’s deployment of an additional 3,000 officers to assist the 11,000 already stationed at key crossings.
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