"There is not the slightest reason now to build parts for a new Danish border control system, which raises considerable doubt over compatibility with the Schengen treaty, as well as with the European Commission and the German government," he said.
The European Commission, which sent an inspection team to the site, said Denmark had failed to justify its new border controls and that the tighter security system currently imposed on its frontiers requires strict monitoring.
Danish lawmakers cleared the way for the measures last month. They are the product of an election-year agreement between the ruling coalition and the anti-immigration Danish People's Party that called for protection against "brutal crime", smuggling and human trafficking.
The measures have upset Germany and stirred debate about freedom to travel within Europe's 'open border' Schengen zone. The European Commission is pressing the Danish authorities for more details and says it may need to visit the border again.
In his statement, Hoyer said that until Brussels had come up with a final decision on how to handle the matter, Denmark should keep its construction plans on ice.
"As long as the European Commission has yet to form its opinion, it is incomprehensible to create facts on the ground already," he said.
EurActiv with Reuters
