European Council Approves Revised Schengen Borders Code For Improved Security And Mobility

The Council of the European Union has granted final approval to a revised Schengen Borders Code, the EU's comprehensive rulebook for managing internal and external borders. This reform aims to enhance the resilience of the Schengen area against current and future crises at its external borders, ensuring that residents and travellers within the EU can fully benefit from borderless travel.

The updated regulation introduces measures to restrict the access of third-country nationals to the EU during large-scale public health emergencies. This includes the possibility of implementing EU-wide travel restrictions, testing, quarantine, self-isolation, and other health-related measures for non-EU citizens entering the EU.

The amended Schengen Borders Code allows member states to limit the number of border crossing points or reduce their opening hours. It also facilitates enhanced border surveillance measures to better manage external borders during crises.

Additionally, the regulation establishes a transfer procedure to address the secondary movement of migrants between member states. This aims to provide solutions for situations where migration is used as a tool for political leverage.

The revised code clarifies the framework for reintroducing and prolonging internal border controls. These controls can be reinstated when there is a serious threat to public policy or internal security. Member states are required to assess the necessity and proportionality of such decisions and determine if the objectives can be achieved by other means.

In summary, the new Schengen Borders Code is designed to ensure that the Schengen area remains robust in facing crises while maintaining the benefits of borderless travel for EU residents and visitors. The regulation provides a structured approach to managing both internal and external borders, with specific measures tailored to address public health emergencies and migration challenges.

With inputs from WAM