EU extends temporary border controls inside Schengen

The European council today adopted the European Commission's proposal to prolong proportionate controls at certain internal Schengen borders in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Norway by a further three months.

The controls already take place, based on a Council Recommendation of 12 May.

The internal controls were re-imposed to halt the flow of undocumented migrants through Europe after landing in Greece or Italy.

According to the European Commission, it last month found that the conditions of the "Back to Schengen" Roadmap – allowing for a return to a normally functioning Schengen area – are not yet fully fulfilled. It thus proposed to extend these measures, in line with the Schengen Borders Code. 

“Those Member States that opt to continue carrying out internal border controls pursuant to today's Council Recommendation should review weekly the necessity, frequency, location and time of controls, adjust the intensity of the controls to the level of the threat addressed, and phase them out wherever appropriate.”

Member States will now also have the obligation to provide detailed monthly reports on the controls carried out and their necessity.