Robert Crumbach, the Minister of Finance and European Affairs for Brandenburg, has called for an end to controls on the European Union's internal borders by summer 2026 at the latest. While the federal government plans to maintain them until September, state authorities point to a drastic drop in asylum applications and the negative impact of restrictions on the local economy and freedom of movement for citizens in the border region.

Minister Crumbach's Demand

The head of the finance ministry in Brandenburg appeals for an end to controls on the border with Poland by July or August 2026 at the latest.

Decline in Asylum Seekers

The ministry in Potsdam argues that since 2023, the number of asylum applications filed in Germany has shown a clear downward trend.

Opposition from the Berlin Government

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt upheld the decision to extend border controls until September 2026.

The dispute over the future of the Schengen Area is intensifying in the German public debate. Robert Crumbach, serving as Minister of Finance and European Affairs in Brandenburg, has made a clear demand to phase out controls on the border with Poland. According to the politician, maintaining these restrictions is legally problematic and strikes at the foundations of European integration. Crumbach indicated that the ideal moment for a return to full freedom of movement would be the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) reform, scheduled for June 2026. He argues that since 2023, there has been a significant decline in the number of people applying for international protection, which undermines the justification for further border blockades. Poland and Germany belong to the Schengen Area, which theoretically guarantees the absence of passport controls. However, since the migration crisis in 2015 and subsequent waves of population movements, many member states regularly reinstate temporary controls, citing national security concerns. A completely different position is held by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior under the leadership of Alexander Dobrindt. The federal government has decided to extend controls on land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland until September 2026. The main reason given is the need to continue fighting illegal migration and the activities of smuggling groups. This approach is criticized not only by politicians from Brandenburg but also by business representatives, who point to delays in goods transport and inconveniences for cross-border workers. According to Crumbach, open borders are Europe's greatest achievement, which must not be sacrificed in the name of current domestic politics. „Repeatedly extended controls on the internal borders of many member states threaten this achievement, are problematic from the point of view of European law, and limit the freedom of movement of citizens.” — Robert Crumbach czerwiec 2026 — deadline for implementing the asylum system reform Positions on Border Controls: Termination Deadline: September 2026 (Federal Government) → Summer 2026 (Brandenburg); Main Argument: Fighting Migration and Smugglers → Protecting Freedoms and Supporting the Economy

Mentioned People

  • Robert Crumbach — Minister of Finance and European Affairs for the German state of Brandenburg, opponent of extending border controls.
  • Alexander Dobrindt — Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany, advocating for the continuation of controls on land borders.
  • René Wilke — Minister of the Interior for Brandenburg, who has spoken about the expected extension of controls.