Germany GEAS implementation challenges

Following the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (GEAS) in June 2026, Germany has encountered significant operational difficulties. Initial assessments by the European Commission identified deficiencies in Germany’s compliance, specifically noting a lack of reception capacity for border procedures at airports and technical hurdles involving the Eurodac database and Frontex digital systems.

While some lawmakers noted that fingerprinting processes appeared to be functioning, concerns remained regarding the adequacy of accommodation in border camps and access to legal counsel. Subsequent data from the Federal Ministry of the Interior revealed that since the reform began, Germany has deported only four asylum seekers to Italy and Greece—two to each country. This figure is notably low compared to the hundreds of cases where the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) determined that Italy or Greece held responsibility. Implementation continues to face hurdles as Italy has reportedly not altered its policy regarding the acceptance of undocumented migrants from other EU member states.