In southwest Germany, commuters and the state government are fuming that internal border controls with France, Luxembourg and Belgium remain in force even after the EU asylum pact went live. In interviews with SWR Aktuell, motorists at the Lauterbourg crossing described 30-minute tailbacks, while logistics operators reported missed delivery slots. The Federal Interior Ministry told SWR the checks will stay at least until 15 September 2026, citing the need to test whether GEAS reduces irregular entries. State Premier Gordon Schnieder (CDU) supports the extension, but Green and SPD MPs from Rhineland-Palatinate called it “national symbolism over European law”. Businesses in the Upper Rhine region say the controls cost an estimated €2.7 million per month in lost productivity.
![Rhineland-Palatinate voices frustration as border queues persist despite new EU asylum law]()
For those who still need to cross borders for business or personal travel, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of things. The online platform’s Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) lets applicants check entry requirements, generate invitation letters and book courier services for visas and residence permits, easing at least one headache while physical checks persist.
Chemical giant BASF warned that just-in-time shipments from its French suppliers now require extra buffer stock. SME lobby IHK-Pfalz wants a fast-lane scheme for registered commuters similar to Trusted Traveller, but the ministry says IT resources are tied up implementing Eurodac. For mobility managers, the message is to maintain car-pool time buffers and to brief assignees on randomised document checks even on minor country roads. The situation will be reviewed in September; if GEAS data show a fall in secondary movements the ministry says it could switch to mobile, intelligence-led controls over the winter.
For those who still need to cross borders for business or personal travel, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of things. The online platform’s Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) lets applicants check entry requirements, generate invitation letters and book courier services for visas and residence permits, easing at least one headache while physical checks persist.
Chemical giant BASF warned that just-in-time shipments from its French suppliers now require extra buffer stock. SME lobby IHK-Pfalz wants a fast-lane scheme for registered commuters similar to Trusted Traveller, but the ministry says IT resources are tied up implementing Eurodac. For mobility managers, the message is to maintain car-pool time buffers and to brief assignees on randomised document checks even on minor country roads. The situation will be reviewed in September; if GEAS data show a fall in secondary movements the ministry says it could switch to mobile, intelligence-led controls over the winter.
