Germany has received an official diplomatic complaint from Athens, also known in diplomatic circles as a demarche, for its treatment of Greek nationals arriving at German airports, who are being subjected to different security screenings than other Europeans.

The Schengen Treaty– a hallmark of the European vision of border-free travel amongst member states, including Greece and Germany, has effectively been cancelled by Germany’s Interior Minister, responsible for border protection.

Numerous travelers to Germany have taken to social media to vent their frustration at German rules for Greek citizens attempting to enter the country by air, which includes being bussed to separate security areas and additional checks upon arrival that other European citizens are not subjected to.

George J. Anastasopoulos published a long rant on his Facebook page (in Greek) that he felt humiliated, describing the experience of being driven to alternative check points that were understaffed and having to wait hours to enter Germany.

Germany’s Interior Minister cited threats to its national security and its need as a nation to protect its borders.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière published a statement on the ministry’s website that “”Germany and other EU member states have witnessed dramatic terrorist attacks. The European security situation remains tense. Shortcomings in the protection of the external borders and significant irregular migration within the Schengen area persist.”

The additional security checks pertain only to the German-Austrian land border and flights from Greece to Germany.

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