A Munich court is examining whether Germany's long-standing personal border checks with Austria violate EU law, in a case brought by a commuter who was questioned on a train last year.

The plaintiff, who regularly travels to Innsbruck, was stopped by federal police in June 2025 and, after refusing to show ID, had his bag searched. He argues the checks breach the Schengen Agreement, which abolished internal border controls, and that Berlin has repeatedly extended them without sufficient justification.

Under Schengen rules, countries may temporarily reintroduce checks if there is a serious threat to public order or internal security. Germany has cited migration and security concerns, but critics say the measures are disproportionate.

Meanwhile, German coalition leaders are meeting in Berlin for a major reform push before the summer break. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is hosting the coalition committee, with a package of measures including income tax reform, pensions, labor market flexibility, and cutting bureaucracy.

Income tax reform is the biggest hurdle, as the coalition aims to provide relief for low and middle incomes from next year. The key question remains how to fund the measures, with disagreements between the CDU/CSU and SPD partners.

Source: www.dw.com