As of: February 7, 2024, 4:42 p.m
By: Lisa Mahnke
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Press
Split
A Schengen reform allows border controls for up to three years.
The reasons are varied.
States now have to meet stricter requirements.
Brussels – The Schengen area is actually intended to enable free travel without controls at the internal borders of the member states.
Representatives of the member states and the European Parliament now agreed on a reform of the Schengen code on Wednesday night (February 7th), which allows border controls for up to three years in the event of serious threats.
In order for the changes to come into force, they must be formally approved by the European Parliament and the member states.
Previously, Schengen states were able to control internal borders for two years under “exceptional circumstances”.
In the event of a “serious exceptional situation with regard to a persistent threat”, the new regulation allows an extension of one year.
The extensions continue to occur every six months, with three years now being the new maximum duration.
Even before the reform: the majority of member states used border controls in phases
Many member states have repeatedly introduced border controls in phases in recent years.
France in particular was known for repeatedly calling for “extraordinary circumstances” and activating border controls on the grounds of terrorism.
French President Emmanuel Macron was particularly committed to the Schengen reform.
Romania and Bulgaria, which recently joined, also already use border controls.
More than half of the Schengen states already use border controls.
© Nikolay DOYCHINOV / AFP
According to information from Brussels, more than half of the 27 member states currently use border controls.
The reasons for this are varied: “Covid-19 pandemic to security threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime to irregular migration,” according to the EU Commission.
Requirements for Schengen states have also been tightened: examine proportionality and alternatives
In order for the Schengen states to be able to carry out longer border controls, they will also have to adhere to stricter requirements in the future.
This includes examining proportionality and possible alternatives to border controls in practice, such as veiled searches.
These are personal checks that are independent of suspicion and are intended to reduce racial profiling.
Health crises such as the corona pandemic are now more clearly incorporated into the Schengen Agreement.
It states that there must be better coordination between the member states in the future, including with regard to possible regulations on vaccinations and disease tests.
(dpa/lismah)