On May 8, 2025, a significant political upheaval occurred in Germany as Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared a "national emergency" concerning migration, according to the Basler Zeitung. This declaration aimed to activate Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which permits exceptions to EU regulations when public order and internal security are at risk.
However, hours after the announcement, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius swiftly denied that Merz intended to declare any national emergency. This contradiction has sparked confusion and concern within the political landscape, particularly regarding the implications such a declaration would have on Germany's immigration policies.
If Article 72 were activated, it would lead to the suspension of the Dublin Agreement, which governs the processing of asylum applications within the EU. This would also mean increased border controls and the potential rejection of asylum seekers, even those from safe EU countries. The ambassadors of neighboring nations are currently being informed about these developments, although the timeline for any new measures remains unclear.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has already taken steps to enhance border controls, marking a significant shift from the 2015 policy that allowed asylum seekers from safe third countries to enter Germany. Under the new directives, asylum seekers from safe EU nations may be turned away, with exceptions made only for particularly vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women.
Merz's tough stance on immigration was a key point of his election campaign, where he promised to implement permanent border controls and strict rejections of asylum applications, even for those with existing protection claims. Alexander Hoffmann, the leader of the CSU parliamentary group, emphasized that "We decide who comes into our country," reflecting the government's hardline approach to immigration.
The legal justification for rejecting asylum seekers, according to Merz, lies in the fact that many migrants have already traversed safe countries before arriving in Germany. He suggested that if necessary, EU laws may need to be revised, or alternatively, a national emergency declared as a means of addressing the situation.
In a related report by Bild, the chaos surrounding the government's handling of the "national emergency" declaration was highlighted. The article detailed how Merz denied the existence of such a declaration while the Interior Ministry was simultaneously ramping up border controls. It promised to unveil the behind-the-scenes dynamics within the coalition regarding this contentious issue.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate these conflicting messages and what long-term impact this will have on Germany's immigration policies and its relationships with neighboring countries.
The current political climate in Germany reflects broader concerns across Europe regarding migration and asylum policies, particularly in light of rising numbers of migrants attempting to enter EU countries. The ongoing debate about how to manage migration effectively while maintaining national security and public order continues to be a hot topic among European leaders.
As the government grapples with these challenges, the responses from various political factions will be crucial. Some argue for a more humanitarian approach, advocating for the rights of asylum seekers and the need for a cohesive EU-wide strategy to address the migration crisis. Others, however, support stricter controls and policies aimed at reducing the number of migrants entering the country.
The implications of Merz's actions and the government's subsequent denial of a national emergency declaration will likely shape the political discourse in Germany for the foreseeable future. As political tensions rise, the public's response to these developments will also play a significant role in determining the trajectory of Germany's immigration policies.
In conclusion, the recent declaration of a "national emergency" regarding migration by Chancellor Merz has opened a Pandora's box of political ramifications, revealing deep divisions within the coalition government and raising questions about the future of Germany's approach to immigration.
