A strategy towards a fully functioning and resilient Schengen area

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 2 June 2021, setting out a strategy aimed at improving the strength and resilience of the Schengen area.

Further information:

A well-functioning Schengen area is underpinned by three main pillars: effective management of the EU's external borders, strength of internal measures to make up for absence of internal border controls (police cooperation, security and migration management), and robust preparedness and governance. Challenges and tensions over the years - not least the migration and coronavirus crises - led to some Member States reintroducing internal border controls for a protracted period. The framework is thus seen as requiring renewal to maintain the levels of commitment and mutual trust required between the Member States.

Restoring the Schengen area without controls at internal borders is seen as paramount for the European Union. This was recognised by the European Parliament and by the European Council. This Strategy takes stock of the progress made on the three pillars and other key measures sustaining the area of freedom, security and justice. It also sets out actions to make the area without internal border controls fully functioning and more resilient. The document reflects consultations with the co-legislators and other key stakeholders, and draws on the conclusions of the Schengen Forums held in November 2020 and May 2021.

This Communication was published on 2 June 2021 alongside a legislative initiative updating the verification mechanism for the application of the Schengen acquis. The intention to set out a strategy on the future of Schengen was first declared during the 2020 State of the Union address.

• Primary Source

News

Euronews, 02/06/2021: Brussels unveils plans to reform borderless Schengen Area https://www.euronews.com/2021/06/02/brussels-unveils-plans-to-reform-borderless-schengen-area

Politico, 02/06/2021: Commission plots to save a Schengen zone battered by coronavirus https://www.politico.eu/article/commission-schengen-zone-coronavirus-lifting-travel-restrictions/

Cyprus Mail, 02/06/2021: EU says Cyprus not ready to join Schengen area https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/06/02/eu-says-cyprus-not-ready-to-join-schengen-area/

Balkan Insight, 03/06/2021: European Commission: Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia Should Join Schengen https://balkaninsight.com/2021/06/03/european-commission-romania-bulgaria-croatia-should-join-schengen/

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Official

European Commission: Press Release, 02/06/2021: Towards a stronger and more resilient Schengen area https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2708

European Commission: Towards a stronger and more resilient Schengen area: Questions and Answers (2 June 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_21_2707

European Commission: Remarks by Commissioner Johansson at the press conference on a stronger and more resilient Schengen area (2 June 2021) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_21_2841

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