Asselborn Meets with German Counterpart in Schengen re Lifting of EU Border Controls

On Saturday 16 May 2020, Luxembourg's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, met his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, Germany's Federal Foreign Minister, in Schengen where they emphasised the importance of a gradual lifting of border controls in Europe.

"Today we show that Schengen was not defeated by the virus, that Schengen is coming back to life," Minister Asselborn emphasised. He welcomed the decision of the German government to the remaining lift border controls at the common border from Saturday. "This decision is also an important signal for a gradual restoration of the Schengen area. This should now be one of the main priorities of the EU".

Minister Asselborn also recalled "how important free movement of people is for all people in this region", especially considering the 200,000 cross-border commuters - including a quarter of those coming from Germany - who go to work in Luxembourg every day. “Opening the borders will make everyday life easier for a lot of people,” added Minister Asselborn.

The talks also focused on preparations for the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of the year.