The Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) have approved new rules for the reinstatement and prolongation of internal Schengen border controls under the Schengen Borders Code.
The new rules come in an attempt to reduce the amount of internal border controls introduced temporarily within the Schengen Area, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
In line with the adopted reform, the Schengen member states are empowered to introduce temporary internal border controls as a last resort for a maximum period of two years for the purpose of responding to public policy or internal security threats, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
Moreover, member states are also allowed to extend this two-year measure for another year, provided that they have done rigorous assessments.
MEPs have also approved the possibility for the Commission to authorise border controls in several member states for a period of six months in cases of a public health emergency that concerns multiple Schengen countries at the same time.
In the case of a public health emergency that concerns several members at a time and puts at risk the functioning of the entire Schengen area, the Commission can authorise border controls in several states for periods of six months.
However, before being able to reintroduce or extend the border measures, the member states will have to do a thorough assessment of the situation, draw up a risk assessment, and then undergo consultations.
New Law Promotes Police Cooperation Over Border Controls When Addressing Health Emergencies
In addition to the above-mentioned, the reform of the Schengen Borders Code also highlights a targeted approach to tackle health crises by introducing harmonised rules for the entry of third-country nationals during emergencies.
EU citizens and those who benefit from free movement would be exempt from these travel restrictions.
As an alternative to border controls in cases of health emergencies, it has been proposed that police cooperation be promoted in border areas.
Reform of Schengen Border Code Supported by 311 MEPs
The reform of the Schengen Border Code was adopted with 311 votes in favour, 267 votes against, and 53 abstentions.
According to the EU Parliament, the aim of the reform is to strengthen the free movement in the Schengen Area, clarify the introduced rules and reduce the frequent reinforcement of border controls within the area.
Commenting on the adopted reform, rapporteur Sylvie Guillaume said that this new law will protect the free movement of people within the Schengen Area.
She further said that the MEPs are responding to the challenges that the member states have been facing in the last decade.
We have insisted on clear and limited timelines for internal border controls, criteria for Member States to reintroduce them, and we have laid down harmonised procedures for the external borders in cases of future pandemics.
Guillaume also emphasised that this new law will provide predictability and certainty on both internal and external borders.
