Franco-German Schengen Proposal. A Vote of No Confidence in Europe

In this Commentary feature the author writes that Germany and France's joint proposal in April 2012 to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily reintroduce border controls as a means of last resort might sound harmless. But doing so would damage one of the strongest symbols of European unity and perhaps even contribute to the EU's demise.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 20.4.12: Germany backs Sarkozy's bid to shut Schengen http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/germany-backs-sarkozys-bid-shut-schengen-news-512292

Deutsche Welle, 21.4.12: EU up in arms over proposed border checks http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15902671,00.html

ESO: Background information: Sarkozy makes populist push for re-election http://www.europeansources.info/record/sarkozy-makes-populist-push-for-re-election-new-poll-gives-sarkozy-first-round-lead-sarkozy-under-fire-on-border-control-call/

ESO: Background information: Greeks build fence to ward off asylum seekers http://www.europeansources.info/record/greeks-build-fence-to-ward-off-asylum-seekers/

ESO: Background information: Netherlands defends border control project http://www.europeansources.info/record/netherlands-defends-border-control-project/

ESO: Background information: France: EU passport-free travel should be 'reconsidered' http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-eu-passport-free-travel-should-be-reconsidered/

ESO: Background information: Brussels reveals tighter border-free rules / EU plans to exclude wayward Schengen nations / Ministers rebuff Brussels on borders http://www.europeansources.info/record/brussels-reveals-tighter-border-free-rules-eu-plans-to-exclude-wayward-schengen-nations-ministers-rebuff-brussels-on-borders/

ESO: Background information: Germany criticises Danish border control plans http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-criticises-danish-border-control-plans/

EUObserver, 25.4.2012: Van Rompuy: 'Winds of populism' threaten free movement http://euobserver.com/22/116032

Berlingske Tidende, 25.4.12: EU prepares tighter border controls http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/1871841-eu-prepares-tighter-border-controls

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