(MENAFN) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday stood by his administration's strategy of enforcing border inspections, clarifying that such actions are meant to remain in effect only until a collective European Union agreement on migration is established.

While speaking during a trip to Bavaria, located in southeastern Germany, Merz assured journalists that the newly introduced border measures are not intended to weaken the EU's Schengen Zone — which allows for unrestricted movement between member countries — nor to disrupt mutual collaboration within the bloc.

"I am very much hoping for and counting on a European solution. Until then, border controls will unfortunately remain necessary," Merz stated.

"But they will only exist to the extent that they are truly necessary. We don't want to question Schengen; we want to preserve the free movement of goods and people in Europe."

The conservative chancellor stressed that Germany places high importance on both the EU’s common market and the Schengen Area, insisting there is no agenda to compromise these foundational European ideals.

As part of their campaign trail promises during the February elections, Merz’s conservative Christian Democrats committed to toughening efforts against unauthorized immigration.

Upon forming a coalition government in May, the administration introduced expanded border oversight with adjacent countries, even though these neighbors are fellow EU states, according to a news agency.

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