Press Release: Commission carries out the first Schengen ‘health check’

Over 400 million Europeans currently enjoy passport-free travel across the Schengen area. With Europeans making more than 1.25 billion journeys every year, vigilance is required to defend citizens' right to free movement.

On 16 May 2012, the Commission adopted its first 'health check', a biannual overview on the functioning of the Schengen area, which will contribute to enhancing political guidance and cooperation amongst Schengen participating countries. The report is accompanied by guidelines which seek to ensure a coherent interpretation and implementation of the selected issues, in a spirit of solidarity.