Following the 17 April announcement by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior concerning the reopening of the border crossings in Remich and Bollendorf, yesterday (Thursday 30 April 2020) saw the decision by the German government to allow cross-border traffic at four other crossing points shortly (Tintesmühle / Dahlem; Gemünd; Rosport / Ralingen; Untereisenbach / Übereisenbach).
Luxembourg's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, welcomed the announcement which stems from an intensive bilateral exchange at various levels. "I welcome this decision, which will help to further defuse a very difficult situation on our border with Germany," said Minister Asselborn in a first reaction. "Border controls and, above all, closures represent a very deep cut in everyday life along the border. Today's decision by the German government is another step in the right direction," said Jean Asselborn. Minister Asselborn expressly welcomed the relief this additional border opening for farmers could be achieved: "In this difficult situation it is not reasonable for the farmers to have to accept long and expensive detours to get to their fields on the other side of the border".
“The current border controls continue to pose major problems for the border towns in particular, with traffic jams that are often miles long and the resentment among the population has increased recently. Therefore, our goal should continue to be to work together to abolish controls at the European internal borders” said Minister Asselborn.
