Overview

• Border delays of up to five kilometers at Dutch crossings have added to nationwide backlogs, prompting 70% of Federal Police officers to call the controls unsustainable.
• April asylum requests fell 44% year-on-year to 10,930, marking the lowest level since tightened checks began.
• Dobrindt is seeking permanent return agreements with Syria and Afghanistan to boost deportations.
• The Federal Police has requested up to 500 additional customs officers to reinforce the 450 Zoll staff already on duty at eight land borders.
• Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan agreed to a joint evaluation of Germany’s intensified checks scheduled for early June.