Berlin rejects EU call to keep internal Schengen border checks

The German government announced it will not lift internal Schengen border controls, despite a request from the European Commission. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the current measures are effective in curbing illegal migration and will remain in place. The Commission had asked nine member states, including Austria, France, Italy and Germany, to gradually phase out these checks, while Poland was the only country not asked. The EU also highlighted a new migration pact that would tighten entry procedures and provide additional support to countries under pressure. German officials argue that protecting the external borders still requires significant improvements, and they see no need to abandon the internal checks at this time.