The future federal government maintains border controls with neighboring states. “Controls at all German borders must be maintained,” read the coalition contract between the CDU, the CSU and the SPD presented on Wednesday afternoon in Berlin.
This should be valid until the EU guarantees functional protection of external borders, which, in the current state, is not to be expected in the short or medium term. Berlin, however, plans to strengthen the European Agency Frontex in terms of border protection and repatriation.
In addition, the government’s program, which must still be confirmed by the parties, talks about a harder approach to migrants. “In accordance with our European neighbors, we will replace common borders, including for asylum requests,” announce the coalition partners.
Permanent controls at intra-European borders are contrary to European law, but they can be temporarily adopted by the Member States without the EU agreement. This is why Germany had introduced them in September 2024 as a temporary measure. The outgoing Minister of the Interior, Nancy FaeSer (SPD), extended them in March. The future federal government should also be expected also extends this supposed temporary measure every six months.
Ads for border workers
The coalition document also contains interesting announcements for German border workers, especially for those who use the bus or the train.
The Deutschlandtricket, much appreciated by many public transport users, should also be maintained beyond 2025. From 2029, the price will however be increased “gradually and socially acceptable”, according to the CDU/CSU and the SPD. Parties do not mention a concrete price increase, but planning security should be guaranteed. The last time, the price for customers had gone from 49 euros per month to 58 euros.
The document also contains an ad that – according to the tax constellation – could be relevant for certain cross -border workers. “We will permanently increase the lump sum compensation for shuttles to 38 cents of euros from the first kilometer from January 1, 2026,” read the document. This is a considerable increase compared to the 30 euros of euros currently in force in Germany.
This article was initially published on the website of Luxembourg word.
Adaptation: Megane Kambala
