Recommendation on last extension of internal border controls before phasing-out

The European Commission issued on 2 May 2017 a recommendation to allow certain member states to put in place proportionate controls at certain internal Schengen borders one last time.

It was indicated that would no longer be legally possible to further extend internal border controls. The Commission urged member states to start phasing out those procedures, considering the improving situation of irregular migration. It was highlighted that controls should only be carried out in a targeted and limited manner and only as a means of last resort.

The Commission also called on member states to make use of alternative measures that can provide the same level of security. To that effect, it also put forward a Recommendation on proportionate police checks and policy cooperation in the Schengen area.

The Recommendation extending border controls followed similar ones issued in October 2016 and January 2017. The reasoning was based on the assessment that the conditions for the 'Back to Schengen' Roadmap - allowing for a return to a normally functioning Schengen area - had not yet been fully fulfilled. The first Recommendation was adopted in May 2016.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/17/1147, 02.05.17: Questions & Answers: Temporary internal border controls, proportionate police checks and police cooperation in the Schengen area http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-1147_en.htm

EUObserver, 03.05.17: Internal border controls to end in six months, says EU https://euobserver.com/justice/137748

EurActiv, 03.05.17: EU to end internal Schengen controls by November http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/eu-to-end-internal-schengen-controls-by-november/

Politico, 02.05.17: Commission extends Schengen border checks for a final time http://www.politico.eu/article/commission-extends-schengen-border-checks-for-a-final-time/

Deutsche Welle, 02.05.17: EU Schengen controls to be lifted by November http://p.dw.com/p/2cFcK

Greek Reporter, 03.05.17: European Commission: Stricter Border Controls in Schengen Zone to Be Lifted by November http://eu.greekreporter.com/2017/05/03/european-commission-stricter-border-controls-in-schengen-zone-to-be-lifted-by-november/

BBC News, 02.05.17: Sweden ends ID checks on 'The Bridge' with Denmark http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39784715

The Local.se, 02.05.17: Sweden to end ID checks at border with Denmark https://www.thelocal.se/20170502/breaking-sweden-to-end-id-checks-on-trains-from-denmark

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