Ms Faeser said the move was in response to irregular migration and aimed at protecting the country from extremist threats. But while the new rules are only intended to remain in force for six months, Mr Coster suggested it might become problematic to roll them back. He told Express.co.uk: "Germany's decision is dramatic but unsurprising, given the intense pressures that illegal migration is now placing on countries across the EU, yet it also serves to confirm the EU's fundamental flaws."

He added: "Border control within the EU is only as strong as its weakest link in eastern or southern Europe and Germany has clearly lost patience with having to deal with the consequences.” Mr Coster explained: "New controls may be temporary but, once imposed, it's hard to see when voters will accept their removal. That's when there will be major questions for Germany's place within the bloc and the future of today's EU.”