Rakusan: Internal Border Controls in Schengen Should be Temporary

Luxembourg – Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan stated today in Luxembourg that for the European Union to sustain the Schengen area’s existence, it must prevent uncontrolled migrant movement at its external borders. He emphasized that any internal border measures should only be temporary.

“I belong to the generation that first enjoyed absolute freedom in the 90s, hitchhiking across Europe, traveling, and participating in scholarships,” the minister remarked, expressing joy at the subsequent integration into the Schengen area.

“As a politician, I view Schengen as a valuable achievement recognized by every EU citizen,” Rakušan continued, warning that any long-term limitations on this progress are misguided. “We advocate for measures that correspond to the current risks,” he added. “I acknowledge the domestic political situations in various countries, but to preserve Schengen, which I deem crucial, we must curb illegal migration at the external borders,” he asserted.

The Schengen agreements, effective since March 26, 1995, established a zone allowing free movement without internal border controls, fostering cooperation among member states on internal and justice matters. Recently, however, several countries have reinstated internal border controls. For instance, Germany has been monitoring its border with Austria since 2015 due to migration issues, and as of October 2023, controls have also been implemented at the borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland. Last September, border security measures were introduced with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Data from the European Commission indicates that 11 countries within the Schengen area are currently enforcing border controls at varying levels. The Czech Republic joined Schengen in December 2007, which now comprises 29 countries—25 EU states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen area, although the EU partially participates in it while still conducting border controls. (June 13)