1st LD Writethru: Denmark extends border controls for sixth time

The Danish government on Monday extended its temporary border controls on the German-Danish border for the sixth time since introducing them at the start of January.

The new extension means that the controls at the Danish border with Germany will remain in place for another 30 days until June 2.

"It must be noted that there is still considerable pressure on Europe's borders, and that migrants and refugees will find alternative routes when the borders are closed," said Danish Integration Minister Inger Stoejberg.

She added that there is also reportedly a large number of unregistered refugees and migrants in such countries as Germany, which will be able to seek to move towards Denmark.

Meanwhile, the minister warned of the risk that many refugees and migrants without proper identification papers could strand in Denmark.

"Such accumulation could threaten public order and internal security in Denmark, and we must take it seriously. It is therefore necessary that we extend border controls," Stoejberg said.

At the same time, Denmark has joined Sweden, Austria, Belgium, France and Germany asking the European Commission to extend internal Schengen border controls for a period of six months.

Denmark received 21,000 asylum applications in 2015. Endit