Germany Activates Nationwide Digital Visa Portal for Skilled Workers
Berlin Extends Internal Border Checks to 15 September 2026 Amid Migration Debate
Government Defends Integration-Course Budget, Pledges €1 Billion for 2026
Latest News
Frontex Reports 60 % Drop in Irregular EU Border Crossings; Germany Prepares for Full EES Go-Live
On 20 February, Frontex said January irregular crossings into the EU dropped 60 % year-on-year. Berlin credits tighter external surveillance and the biometric Entry/Exit System, which will be fully operational at German borders by April. Businesses should plan for slightly longer processing times as EES enrolment expands.
EU Floats 5-Year-Plus Schengen Visas for Trusted Travellers in New Strategy
Leaked details of the EU’s forthcoming visa strategy—reported on 20 February—suggest multiple-entry Schengen visas could be extended beyond five years for low-risk frequent travellers. German industry welcomes the idea as a boon for international suppliers and clients, but the scheme will be tied to stricter digital monitoring under EES.
Brandenburg minister urges end to German-Polish border controls by summer 2026
Brandenburg’s finance minister has called on the federal government to let Germany’s Polish border checks expire in summer 2026, arguing they hurt regional growth and will be unnecessary once new EU asylum rules start mid-year. The Interior Ministry still considers the checks vital, but mounting political and business pressure could see them lifted earlier than planned.
Germany prolongs land-border checks with France until at least 15 September 2026
Berlin has confirmed that spot-checks at the French land border will continue until at least mid-September 2026. Companies moving goods or staff between France and Germany should prepare for ongoing document inspections and minor but cumulative delays.
Frankfurt U-Bahn and tram network paralysed by Verdi one-day strike
A 24-hour Verdi strike halted Frankfurt’s U-Bahn and tram services on 19 February, forcing commuters onto alternative modes and disrupting business schedules. More stoppages are likely as collective-bargaining talks continue.
Warning strike closes lanes in A71 mountain tunnels, slowing central-Germany road traffic
A Verdi warning strike at the A71 tunnel control centre caused lane closures on 19 February, highlighting the vulnerability of key road arteries to wage disputes at Autobahn GmbH. Further stoppages could disrupt business travel and freight later this month.