A new debate within the European Union (EU) centers on the Schengen
agreement that allows passport-free travel throughout the 26 participating
nations. EU interior ministers have embarked on a radical revision of the
Schengen system, hoping to restore border controls and eliminate passport-free
travel across the border-free regime.
Championed by Italy and France, the debate stems from the recent feud
over migrants from North Africa.
Such a policy shift would reverse decades of free travel. Not all governments,
however, are onboard: only 15 of the 22 EU member states who have signed the
Schengen agreement support the proposal.
One of the most outspoken opponents to the proposed change is German
interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich, who recently declared, ‘Under no
circumstances will we accept any measure that will limit in any way the freedom
of movement achieved under Schengen.’
Just hours before the meeting, Denmark, which has the strictest
immigration restrictions in the EU, announced that it would reinstate controls
at its borders with Germany and Sweden. This action prompted calls in the
European Parliament to kick Denmark out of Schengen, though the Danish
government asserted that the checks would not extend to passport controls, thus
staying in compliance with the agreement. Denmark’s decision will be
scrutinized for its legality by the European Commission in the coming weeks.
Some have argued that the proposed revisions would be a step back for
the progress made during 60 years of integration.
The next step is for the proposal to go to the EU prime ministers and
presidents, who will likely discuss it at the summit slated for next month. The
proposal would then need to pass in the European Parliament, where there will
likely be strong resistance.
