The Royal Military Police will start additional border controls at the borders with Belgium and Germany on Monday. Minister Marjolein Faber of Asylum and Migration introduced this to combat illegal migration, crime and human smuggling. What will you notice if you want to cross the border later?
In Germany, the introduction of border controls earlier this year led to long traffic jams, as traffic was directed to the border via parking lots. The Netherlands opts for a different approach.
Flexible controls
The military police will not continuously check at the border, nor will there be barriers or waiting booths. “We are already carrying out random checks,” says a spokesperson for the Royal Military Police. “The big difference is that we can check a lot more often and that checks can take longer.”
There are different ways in which the military police work. During mobile checks, motorcyclists select vehicles and guide them to a check point. During static checks, part of the road is closed and vehicles are checked.
Consequences for border travelers
The military police do not want to say exactly when, where and how often these checks will take place. “Just like with speed checks, we of course do not reveal where we will check,” says the spokesperson. The military police do promise to limit inconvenience to traffic as much as possible.
For those who plan to refuel or stock up on tobacco in Belgium, it is therefore wise to always plan some extra time and at least have a valid ID with you. We will only really notice how extensive the delays will be when the checks start.
Concerns of border municipalities
The announced border controls caused unrest in the border municipalities earlier this week. They were unhappy about not being informed. The border municipalities therefore sent an urgent letter to Minister Faber.
Mayor Marjon de Hoon- Veelenturf of Baarle-Nassau had a good conversation with Minister Faber last week on behalf of the Dutch border municipalities. “The minister has reassured us. She has promised us that no border crossings will be completely closed and that the Military Police will carry out risk-based checks.” The municipalities and the minister will also meet again in 2.5 months to evaluate the controls.
The concerns of the border municipalities have therefore largely been allayed, but the Baarlese mayor remains wary: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” In other words: first see, then believe.