Denmark has extended border controls along its border with Germany for a further six months, the Danish Justice Ministry announced in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
First imposed as a temporary measure at the beginning of 2016, the measure allows spot checks on the passports of people crossing the border, whether by road or rail.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard referred to a “serious security situation” in justifying the extension. Danish police needed it in their fight against terrorism and cross-border crime, he said.
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The Danish border authorities have recently acquired a drone to assist police in their work.
Initially imposed during the refugee crisis in 2015-16, the measure has been repeatedly renewed with various justifications.
Since April 2023, the focus has been on combating crime, with police deployed in the hinterland and not just at the border. The Justice Ministry said this had had a positive effect on combating cross-border crime.
Denmark and Germany are both members of the Schengen Area that theoretically opens borders and allows free travel. Rising concerns on irregular migration have led many member countries to increase border checks.