Germany recently imposed border controls on all its land borders, raising fears for the future of the Schengen Agreement and freedom of movement in the EU.
The move follows a terror attack in Solingen, Germany, where a suspected ISIS operative killed three people.
France is considering similar border control measures, citing European rules that allow such actions.
Schengen's freedom of movement is seen as one of the EU’s greatest achievements, and these controls threaten its future.
Border areas like Saarbrücken, near Germany’s border with France, are particularly concerned about the impact on daily life and trade.
The reintroduction of border checks brings back memories of pandemic-related border closures, which caused significant disruption.
Transport groups warn that long border waits increase costs for businesses, adding €100 for each hour a vehicle is delayed.
Some officials admit that border controls are more symbolic than effective at curbing irregular migration.
Right-wing populists in Europe, like Italy’s interior ministry and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, have welcomed Germany's actions.
There are growing concerns that Germany’s decision may set off a "domino effect," encouraging other EU member states to implement similar controls, challenging the Schengen system.
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