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Germany's border checks face backlash over unmeasured economic harm

No studies, no data—just growing frustration. Businesses and lawmakers demand answers as Germany extends border controls without assessing their toll on commerce and travel.

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows a poster with a map of Europe, highlighting the member countries of the European...
The image shows a poster with a map of Europe, highlighting the member countries of the European Union. The map is detailed, showing the various countries and their borders, as well as their major cities, rivers, and other geographical features. The text on the poster provides additional information about the countries, such as their names and their respective borders.

Germany's border checks face backlash over unmeasured economic harm

Germany's internal border controls, introduced in 2023, have faced criticism over their economic impact. Green Party MEP Anton Hofreiter questioned the government after warnings from businesses and researchers about potential harm to trade. Yet officials admit they lack data on the effects of these checks on commerce, commuters, or tourism. The controls began under then-Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in 2023 and were later tightened by her successor, Alexander Dobrindt. In 2025, Dobrindt announced plans to extend them until at least September.

Hofreiter submitted a parliamentary question to assess the economic consequences of the checks. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs responded that it holds no figures on trade volumes, GDP effects, or impacts on cross-border workers and tourism. The ministry also confirmed it has no plans to study the issue. Insurance firm Allianz had earlier predicted a 9.1% fall in goods imports and a 7.8% drop in service imports because of the controls. Hofreiter called the government's lack of data or willingness to investigate 'astonishing'. He also argued that the checks violate Schengen principles by restricting the free movement of people and goods.

The border measures remain in place without clear evidence of their economic toll. Businesses and researchers had already raised concerns over disruptions to the EU single market. For now, no official analysis is expected, leaving questions about trade, travel, and growth unanswered.

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