In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Pascal Arimont (PPE), Commissioner Magnus Brunner, on behalf of the European Commission, reiterated the call for Germany to gradually lift its internal border controls, while acknowledging the serious security and migration threats invoked by Berlin. The answer, dated 30 July 2026, stresses that such controls must remain a temporary measure of last resort under the Schengen Borders Code and points to a tailor-made approach per border section and per threat, making full use of alternative measures. Brunner also highlighted that static controls at the German-Luxembourg border have already been replaced by mobile checks, signalling progress in the phasing-out process.
The response follows the Commission's formal Opinion of 2 June 2026, which assessed the necessity and proportionality of Germany's continued border controls and recommended their gradual lifting. That opinion built on a question Arimont first raised in September 2024, when the Commission said it was evaluating the measures based on information from Germany. In the new answer, Brunner confirms that the Commission, with the support of its Schengen Coordinator, has launched a new round of consultations with all Member States affected by the reintroduction of internal border controls, and is in close contact with German authorities to ensure follow-up.
The answer does not set a specific deadline for Germany to end the controls, nor does it detail concrete consequences if Berlin refuses to comply. Instead, it refers to the possibilities under the revised Schengen Borders Code and the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/268 on cooperation between Member States regarding serious threats to internal security. This suggests a preference for dialogue and gradual progress over immediate legal action, leaving the door open for further steps if consultations fail.
For stakeholders, the practical impact is mixed. German border regions and cross-border commuters could benefit from reduced disruption if controls are lifted, while national authorities in Germany may face pressure to rely on alternative security measures, such as targeted police checks, which could be less visible but still resource-intensive. For the EU as a whole, the episode tests the credibility of the Schengen framework, balancing national security concerns against the principle of free movement. The Commission's approach—combining formal opinions, consultations, and recognition of partial progress—reflects a cautious strategy aimed at maintaining pressure without triggering a direct institutional confrontation with a major Member State.