Vienna – European refugee organizations have urged the EU Commission to commence infringement proceedings against Germany. They argue that the ongoing stationary border checks and the rejection of asylum seekers at German borders are “in clear contradiction to fundamental values and violate applicable EU law,” as stated in a letter released on Thursday by groups including Asylkoordination Österreich.
German measures erode trust in the EU
The letter highlights that the actions of the German federal government violate the rights of individuals seeking protection within the European Union after perilous journeys. Moreover, they assert that these actions jeopardize societal trust in the EU as a legal community. “National unilateral actions that overlook applicable EU law fundamentally contradict the principles of the European rule of law. They empower far-right movements across Europe, increase skepticism toward the EU, and contribute to a troubling trend of renationalization within the Union.”
As the Schengen area’s 40th anniversary approaches, the freedom of movement is significantly threatened. “Border controls do not deter individuals from seeking protection in the European Union; they merely render the journey more perilous. Furthermore, they inflict economic and social harm, incur high costs, and are not sustainable in the long run.” The European Union must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law above the might of individual nations.
This open letter is directed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, and it is endorsed by representatives from civil society organizations in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE). (12.06.2025)
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