Closures at the German border have caused consternation and chaos for weeks, but over the last few days, problems have increased at the Belgian border. Among the issues are additional checks occasionally leading to fines, strict protocol and a situation fraught with confusion and mixed messages. The minister has now contacted Belgian authorities to discuss the issues.
Asselborn said they had not experienced any trouble at the Belgian border until a few days ago, when complaints began pouring in. In recent days, the Belgian side of the border has strengthened checks on the Luxembourg border, as Belgium have not yet implemented an exit strategy from confinement.
Border officials are not just checking those entering the country, but also those leaving. Belgians need a good reason to leave the country, and grocery sopping in Luxembourg is not deemed to be a valid reason.
Asselborn said one must accept that the Belgian rules are different to Luxembourg's. As an example, if a Luxembourg resident went for a walk into Belgian territory without good reason or permission, they would have to accept the consequences.
However, Asselborn criticised the recent events at the shopping complex in Schmiede, which lies on the border in the north of the Grand Duchy. He said in a shopping zone of this nature, it was impossible to tell where Luxembourg ends and Belgium begins, and it would therefore not be fair to fine people for crossing the border in this instance.
As a result, Asselborn has contacted the Belgian authorities and advised the embassy that people are right to complain about the issues. He highlighted the need for understanding in such turbulent times and said the actions at the border did not foster a good atmosphere, comparing it to the closures at the German border. Asselborn's intervention with German authorities had led to several small border crossings reopening between the Grand Duchy and Germany, despite differences of opinion within the German government.
A meeting between European Interior and Foreign Ministers on Tuesday confirmed that border reflexes, as occurred in mid-March, would not happen again in future.
