An update to the European Commission’s Schengen monitoring portal on 14 September confirms that the Netherlands will keep temporary border controls with Belgium and Germany in place until at least 30 September 2026. The Dutch government cites “serious threats to public policy” stemming from high asylum-application volumes and secondary movements within the bloc. Controls involve spot checks on major highways such as the E19 (Breda–Antwerp) and train services between Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Belgian commuters report delays of up to 30 minutes during peak periods, while logistics firms complain of unpredictable queue times at the Hazeldonk crossing. Germany, for its part, will reactivate controls on 16 September for a six-month spell covering land borders with Belgium, Luxembourg and several other neighbours. That move, aimed at curbing migrant-smuggling networks, could disrupt just-in-time supply chains for Belgian manufacturers shipping into North-Rhine Westphalia. Companies running shuttle buses or freight routes should build additional buffer time into schedules and advise drivers to carry full identity and cargo documentation. HR teams should brief cross-border staff about possible ID checks even on routine commutes.
Source: European Commission – DG Home
