The Netherlands will soon join a growing list of EU countries reintroducing land border controls. Starting December 9, these measures, lasting six months, are part of a broader migration crackdown proposed by the right-wing coalition led by the Party for Freedom (PVV) under Geert Wilders.
Several other EU nations, including Austria, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia, have already tightened border checks due to escalating migration concerns.
Austria, which first imposed border controls during the 2015 refugee crisis, has just extended them for another six months on its borders with Slovenia and Hungary. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasized, “Border controls remain a crucial tool in combating illegal migration.” Additionally, Austria has extended controls with the Czech Republic and Slovakia until April 2025, citing ongoing concerns over irregular migration.
Germany is also reinforcing its border measures in response to a significant influx of asylum seekers. The German Federal Police are currently monitoring borders with Denmark, the Benelux countries, and France, alongside long-standing controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
France maintains strict border checks with Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland, driven by security challenges. Similarly, Denmark is enhancing inspections at its land, sea, and air borders with Germany.
Slovenia, which monitors its frontiers with Croatia and Hungary, has expressed opposition to Austria’s prolonged border restrictions. Meanwhile, the European Commission continues to stress that border controls within the EU should remain a last resort and be temporary.
