EU Approves Updated Schengen Borders Code, Enhancing Border Security and Travel Resilience

The Council of the European Union has given its final approval to the updated Schengen Borders Code, a move aimed at enhancing the resilience of the Schengen Area during external border crises and maintaining the benefits of borderless travel for EU residents. The revised code also introduces provisions to address health emergencies, allowing for EU-wide measures to restrict the entry of third-country nationals during such crises.

The new regulation includes procedures to assist member states in managing migrant movement between countries and addresses concerns related to instrumentalized migration. Annelies Verlinden, the Belgian Minister of the Interior, Institutional Reform, and Democratic Renewal, welcomed the adoption of the updated code, highlighting its importance in securing external borders while preserving borderless travel within the Schengen area.

"With today’s vote, we have given member states tools at hand to maintain borderless travel within the Schengen area while securing external borders, addressing irregular migration and public health risks," stated Minister Verlinden.

Under the new Schengen Borders Code, member states gain the ability to limit the number of open border crossing points or adjust their operating hours to facilitate enhanced border surveillance. The regulation also clarifies rules regarding the introduction and extension of internal border controls, allowing member states to maintain such controls for up to two years.

Before implementing internal border controls, member states are required to notify the Commission, other member states, and the parliament. While the maximum duration for internal border controls is set at two years, member states may extend the measures for an additional six months, renewable once for up to one year in exceptional circumstances.

The regulation also permits alternative measures, such as police checks and cross-border cooperation, to be implemented to avoid the need for internal border controls whenever possible. Additionally, the code outlines a new transfer procedure for third-country nationals found in the border area who are illegally staying in a member state's territory.

By fLEXI tEAM