EU Commissions urges nine countries to phase out internal border checks

The European Commission on Tuesday called on nine countries to begin phasing out temporary internal border controls within the Schengen Area, saying new EU measures on border security and migration management reduce the need for such checks. EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said Member States are now in a position to gradually lift internal border controls as new systems strengthening the bloc's external borders come into force. In a press release, the Commission reviewed controls maintained by Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden, noting that the measures were introduced in response to legitimate security and migration-related concerns. It stressed, however, that internal border checks should remain exceptional and temporary, and highlighted alternatives such as targeted police checks, mobile biometric identification and vehicle-tracking technologies. The Commission added that the upcoming implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, along with the recently launched Entry-Exit System and the future ETIAS travel authorisation scheme, will strengthen external border management and help address irregular movements within the Schengen Area. It urged the nine countries to make greater use of these tools and regional cooperation mechanisms in preparation for the gradual lifting of internal border controls.