Germany Reinforces Border Controls, Sparking Controversy

New measures aim to curb migration and address security concerns but face criticism from EU neighbors and local residents.

Germany has reintroduced passport checks at all nine of its land borders, effective for the next six months.
The move follows recent knife attacks by asylum seekers and gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in local elections.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser cited the need to protect against Islamist terrorism and serious crime as reasons for the new controls.
Critics argue the measures will disrupt the EU's Schengen zone and damage the economy of border towns like Frankfurt an der Oder and Słubice.
Neighboring countries, including Poland and Austria, have voiced opposition, fearing increased asylum seeker pressure and trade impacts.