European border controls revisited: Schengen's uncertain future
In recent months, illegal migration and associated threats have become pressing issues in Europe. In response to these growing challenges, Germany and Norway have reintroduced border controls reminiscent of times many believed were behind us. Such measures prompt questions about the future of free movement within the Schengen Area.
On 16th September, Germany initiated controls on its western and northern borders, citing the increasing pressure from the influx of migrants. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted the need to manage the high number of arrivals, which is placing a considerable strain on the system.
These restrictions are set to last for six months, although precedent suggests this period could extend, as with the Austrian border, where controls have been in place since September 2015.
In early October, Germany expanded its actions to include the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. This aims to alleviate migratory pressure and enhance monitoring at crossing points.
Border controls: Norway follows Germany's example
A short while later, Norway implemented similar measures, temporarily suspending full adherence to the Schengen Agreement, citing terrorist threats. Police spokesperson Tone Wangen explained that "the introduced controls aim to gather more data on travellers and facilitate more effective deportation measures."
While the new regulations don't mean that everyone crossing the Norwegian border will be checked, it's a worrying development for many enthusiasts of unrestricted European travel. Discussions are already emerging online, suggesting that other Schengen countries might follow in the footsteps of Germany and Norway.
Is this the end of Schengen?
Although Germany's and Norway's actions might appear to signal the weakening of the Schengen Area at first glance, experts caution against jumping to conclusions.
General Waldemar Skrzypczak stated that the Schengen Area is not under threat. However, the migration situation indicates that the European Union is not fully managing this issue.
The EU is unable to prevent migration, which is causing considerable confusion – notes the military official.
He suggests that if border controls were to become permanent, it would indicate the inefficacy of the EU's structures, unable to meet modern challenges.
Skrzypczak also highlighted Russia's role in destabilising the migratory situation in Europe, although he noted it wasn't solely Russia's doing.
It's not just Putin's influence. He's capitalized on this because he observed our inability to manage it – assessed the general.
Support for Schengen in the European Parliament
An MEP from the Civic Coalition expressed concern about countries within the Union implementing internal border controls, emphasizing that the Schengen Area represents one of the greatest achievements of European integration, and actions such as those taken by Germany or Norway could undermine the Union’s cohesion.
The response to current challenges should strengthen the EU's external borders, not the internal ones.
The reintroduction of permanent internal border controls within the Union would signify a substantial step backwards – warns the MEP.
Collective solutions are required at the European Parliament level rather than acting alone. These would enable more effective migration management while protecting freedom of movement within Schengen.
