On July 8, MEPs called on the Member States once again to do everything in their power to restore free movement within the Schengen area, which has been put at risk by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The text of the European Parliament resolution was published on the official website.
Adopting the report by Slovenian MEP Tanja Fajon (S&D) with 505 votes to 134 with 54 abstentions, the European Parliament also noted that some internal border controls have been in place since 2015, MEPs say that such checks no longer fill the criteria of proportionality and necessity, and are therefore unlawful. Where necessary, the Commission should also initiate infringement procedures.
MEP Tanja Fajon, who drafted the report, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the Schengen agreement to its knees, making internal border controls the new normal within the borderless area.
“On the back of the COVID-19 pandemic Schengen has been brought to its knees. Instead of facilitating free movement, internal border controls have become the new normal. Mutual trust has been replaced by mutual distrust. Too many people are still dying at our shores, violent push-backs and human rights abuses still occur at our borders. Schengen is no longer fit for purpose. Meaningful reform with clearer rules and a stronger role of the EU institutions is urgently needed. Restoring and strengthening Schengen must be the only way forward,” she stated.
According to a press release issued by the EP Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the MEPs also agreed that the Schengen Borders Code needs revision, which would create new rules for border restrictions during health emergencies such as the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Looking ahead, the Parliament underlines that a reform of the Schengen Borders Code is necessary to address the current state of the border-free travel area. While border controls remain a prerogative of the member states, new safeguard mechanisms could ensure the withdrawal of controls when they are no longer a proportionate response,” the European Parliament stated.
At the same time, the MEPs have welcomed the development of the Visa Information System and the Entry-Exit System, as well as other EU IT systems, in the area of border and visa management, asking for these projects to be completed within their deadline.
In addition, the report also demands full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the free-movement zone, noting that both countries have fulfilled the requirements for joining Schengen.
During the Plenary, was also raised the issue of reports of push-backs by Frontex on the Schengen external borders. The MEPs showed their concerns on this issue, demanding more transparency about the activities of Frontex, in particular for those taking place at sea.
“The Parliament emphasizes that helping people in distress at sea is a legal obligation and demands that the border agency hires the fundamental rights monitors it needs according to its Regulation,” the press-release reads.