Luxembourg’s Minister of the Interior, Jean Asselborn, opposed the introduction of border controls at internal EU borders.
As reported by The Guardian, his statement was made in the context of a discussion on an initiative in the German parliament, proposed by conservatives, to strengthen migration control. The measure adopted by the Bundestag includes, among other things, “permanent border controls” and “a complete rejection of attempts for illegal entry,” including actions against refugees.
The Minister also emphasized that “Schengen is one of the most important achievements of the EU.” In response to a direct question about the proposals from German conservatives, Asselborn noted that he does not comment on Germany’s internal politics but added that if Germany decides to extend border controls with Luxembourg, he will object to the European Commission.
The initiative by the conservative party CDU, which has no legal force, was passed in the Bundestag by a narrow majority – 348 votes to 345, with support from the right-wing party “Alternative for Germany.”
