Denmark extends border checks with Germany for new six-month period

Denmark's temporary checks on the border with Germany have again been extended for another six months, the Justice Ministry in Copenhagen said on Friday.

The ministry cited as justification the threat of terrorism, the expanding conflict in the Middle East and the continued anger over Koran burnings in Denmark last year.

"We must protect the safety and security of Danes," Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in a statement.

"The terrorist threat against Denmark is serious, and it is the government's assessment that, on this basis, it is necessary to maintain the temporary border controls with Germany."

Hummelgaard noted that neighbouring countries Germany and Sweden have also implemented checks on their sides.

"This proves to me that we in Europe are in a serious situation where we will also have to think about who we open our country's borders to."

Denmark announced in April 2023 that it would start carrying out stricter checks at the border with Germany.

Several EU countries have imposed checks at land borders, prompting worries that Europe's frictionless travel space, known as the Schengen area, is being undermined.