BERLIN – Berlin yesterday criticised plans by Denmark to build new installations on its border with Germany, saying its northern neighbour should wait to hear from the European Union before starting any construction.
German foreign ministry state secretary Werner Hoyer said in a statement that the move – decided unilaterally by Denmark in May to tighten customs procedures – contravened EU law on open borders and free travel.
“There is not the slightest reason now to build parts for a new Danish border control system, which raises considerable doubt over compatibility with the Schengen treaty, as well as with the European Commission and the German government, he said.
The commission, which sent an inspection team to the site, says Denmark has failed to justify its new border controls and says the tighter security system currently imposed on its frontiers needs strict monitoring.
Danish parliamentarians cleared the way last month for the measures, which stem from an election-year agreement between the ruling coalition and the anti-immigration Danish Peoples Party, which is demanding protection against “brutal crime”, smuggling and human-trafficking.
The measures have upset Germany and stirred debate about free travel within Europe’s “open border” Schengen zone.
The European Commission is pressing the Danish authorities for more details and says it may need to visit the border again.
Mr Hoyer said that until Brussels had come up with a final decision on how to handle the matter, Denmark should keep its plans for construction on hold. – (Reuters)