Black and red stops refugees: crisis at the German borders escalates!

Black and red stops refugees: crisis at the German borders escalates!

With a clear political course, the federal government is trying to overcome the challenges of migration at the borders. Since the Black-Red coalition came to power, there has been a noticeable increase in the rejection of people seeking protection at German borders. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has instructed the federal police to turn away asylum seekers, regardless of whether they apply for protection or not. Dobrindt argues that the EU country responsible for asylum procedures corresponds to the country where people first entered. These decisions are causing irritation among neighboring countries such as Poland and Austria, which are closely watching how German politics develops on this issue. Inforadio reports that the discussion about this policy raises relevant questions about the future of German asylum policy, particularly regarding humanism, compassion and the need for Immigration to secure the workforce in an aging society.

In this context, the Association of Cities and Municipalities has urgently warned that the municipalities in Germany are at their limits and called for a reduction in migration. Particularly due to the persistently high number of refugees, surveys have shown that a majority of the population supports this demand. A panel discussion took place on June 15, 2025, moderated by Sascha Hingst. Among the guests were Friedemann Hanke, deputy district administrator of the Märkisch-Oderland district (CDU), and Karl Kopp, managing director of ProAsyl, as well as other experts. This event is the result of a cooperation between rbb 24 Inforadio and the European Academy Berlin.

New EU requirements for migration policy

In parallel with the developments in Germany, the EU Parliament approved a new migration and asylum package, which was adopted on April 8, 2024 with a majority of 322 votes to 266. This package requires Member States to relocate, make financial contributions or provide technical assistance to asylum seekers or those in need of international protection. [The European Parliament's official press release clarifies that the Dublin rules have been revised to be clearer determine which EU country is responsible for asylum applications.

In addition, a new procedure for checking third-country nationals at the EU's external borders is planned, which could take up to seven days. The regulations are also intended to ensure that independent control mechanisms are in place to protect fundamental rights. The Eurodac database is being updated to capture data on irregular arrivals and there are moves to introduce uniform standards for the recognition of refugee status. Asylum seekers should also be allowed to work no later than six months after their application. However, these new regulations still need to be formally approved by the Council and could come into force within the next two years.

Social and legal challenges

The discussion about migration, especially the issue of “pushbacks” – i.e. the violent rejection of migrants at the borders – is becoming increasingly intense. According to Europe in Education, such practices violate EU law and the Geneva Refugee Convention, as people have the right to an asylum review. Many EU states, especially Eastern European countries such as Poland and Hungary, are increasingly relying on isolation through border fences and pushbacks. This tendency towards isolation is welcomed by several countries within the EU, while southern European countries are calling for a fairer distribution of refugees.

In Cologne's urban areas, this debate becomes even clearer: against the background of the increasing number of refugees, especially people from crisis areas such as Afghanistan, the social mood is tense. The gradual change in asylum policy is being followed by many, and it remains to be seen what image Germany will present in the European community when it comes to finding humane solutions.