Germany has implemented new border controls across all its land borders as part of a stricter migration policy, affecting the Schengen Zone's principle of free movement. From Monday, these controls will extend to borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, in addition to existing checks with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Under these new rules, German authorities can deny entry at all land borders, a policy that will be in place for an initial six-month period. This represents a significant shift from Germany's previous stance during the 2015-2016 migrant crisis when it welcomed over one million new arrivals under Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government. The current move aligns Germany more closely with other European nations in tightening migration policies, partly driven by a rise in far-right opposition.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the goal is to enhance internal security and combat irregular migration, citing concerns over Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime. The decision has caused friction within the European Union, drawing criticism from Germany’s neighbors, including Poland, Greece, and Austria. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized the new controls and called for urgent discussions with affected countries, while Greece and Austria have expressed concerns about accepting migrants turned away by Germany.

Germany’s Council for Migration has warned that the new policy might breach EU regulations and labeled it a dangerous form of populism. This development follows increased scrutiny on Germany’s handling of migration, especially after a recent attack in Solingen, where a Syrian suspect with ISIS links was involved, highlighting the tensions surrounding immigration and security.