German political figures are criticizing Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for a perceived lack of coordination with European partners regarding border controls. Adis Ahmetovic, spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group on foreign policy, told the German magazine “Spiegel” that the German government’s collaboration with neighboring European countries on this matter has been “moderately successful” thus far. He emphasized that Poland’s recent announcement of border controls into Germany underscores concerns raised over years regarding the necessity of close cooperation and early dialogue with European neighbors, particularly on security and migration issues.
The Polish government announced the planned border checks on Tuesday, citing the new German government’s stricter border policies as the primary reason. Ahmetovic stated that the current developments clearly demonstrate “failures in coordination” and that communication and coordination at the European level must improve under Merz “in the interest of a united and effective Europe.
Katarina Barley, SPD politician and Vice-President of the European Parliament, echoed these concerns, criticizing the approach taken by Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Speaking to “Spiegel” Barley asserted that Poland’s announced measures are a direct response to Dobrindt’s border controls. She warned that such actions highlight how quickly national interests can lead to increased isolation. Barley stressed that the EU’s most significant achievements include open borders and that European cooperation is urgently needed to address challenges effectively, rather than through unilateral national actions.
