Mayors Push Back Hard as Germany Refuses to Budge
Hubert Bruls, mayor of Nijmegen and chair of the Euregio Rhine-Waal cooperation body representing around 50 regional authorities, has emerged as the most vocal critic. He acknowledged that when Germany first introduced the temporary border checks in 2024 in response to migration pressures and public order concerns, he was willing to give the policy a chance. But about a year and a half on, his patience has run out.

Migration numbers have fallen, he argues, yet the controls have effectively become permanent — a situation he finds both disproportionate and legally questionable. "The question you now really have to ask is whether this is still in line with European law. And if I may believe legal experts, it is not," he said.



Bruls also turned his criticism toward the European Commission, expressing disappointment that Brussels has not stepped in to challenge a member state he believes is bending the rules. He said it is increasingly difficult to explain to ordinary citizens why they must comply with European regulations when a member state appears free to ignore them.

Mark Boumans, mayor of Doetinchem, echoed that frustration following the Babberich crash.

He said he is deeply disappointed that Germany has been unable to come up with a solution that limits migration without generating such severe and repeated side effects. Several municipalities, including Zev.