Luxembourg lawmakers have called for France and Germany to lift their internal border controls, which they argue disrupt regional unity. The Luxembourg parliament recently debated this issue, emphasizing the negative impact on cross-border workers and the Schengen Zone’s fundamental principles.
France and Germany’s Border Controls
Earlier, France and Germany reinstated internal border checks in response to security concerns and ongoing migration challenges. According to Luxembourg lawyers, however, these measures contradict the Schengen Agreement’s essence of unrestricted movement within EU countries. Currently, the Schengen Zone has faced increasing pressure as countries implement border checks to address security threats.
France first reinstated controls in 2015 after terrorist attacks in Paris, citing national security concerns. Germany followed suit amid heightened migration from the Middle East and North Africa. Both nations—in November and September 2024 respectively—have since extended these measures, citing a need for enhanced border security. But this approach has sparked debates across the EU about the balance between security and freedom of movement.
Luxembourg’s arguments
In response to the continued border controls, Luxembourg lawmakers are urging a return to pre-pandemic Schengen principles. They argue that the current situation harms the region’s economy, especially for cross-border workers who commute daily. Luxembourg’s government believes these controls disrupt the lives of thousands who depend on the seamless flow of goods and labor.
In addition, lawmakers also highlighted that Luxembourg, being surrounded by France, Germany, and Belgium, suffers disproportionately from these checks. They urged France and Germany to explore alternative security measures that align with EU values. This call reflects a growing frustration among smaller EU states that feel marginalized by the actions of larger member countries.
Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (SAP) politician Yves Cruchten emphasized that internal border controls cannot be the norm for Luxembourg. And such checks are expensive and time-consuming, with Germany having only denied entry to 49 people. Furthermore, Cruchten noted that EU countries should implement these controls as a last resort and not a regular initiative.
Some Schengen countries have pushed for internal border checks amid cases of irregular migration. However, Luxembourg stresses that these should not be used as an excuse for Schengen members to activate additional controls.
Luxembourg politician Stephanie Weydert has also emphasized that instead of internal border controls, Schengen countries must strengthen external borders.
Impact on Luxembourg, rest of EU
Luxembourg’s plea underscores the ongoing tensions within the EU regarding border management, migration, and national security. Other countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark, have also reinstated temporary border controls, further challenging Schengen’s principles. These internal border checks have sparked concerns about the future of the Schengen Zone, especially as thr EU seeks to strengthen its external borders.
France and Germany, however, maintain that these measures are necessary for national security and to manage irregular migration. The debate highlights the delicate balance EU leaders must strike between ensuring security and preserving freedom of movement. As tensions rise, there is growing pressure on the EU to develop greater solidarity and a more unified approach to border management.
Image by DC Studio on Freepik
