EU to reinforce Schengen governance for borders control

The European Union (EU) is set to reinforce its Schengen governance to ensure more efficient borders control and free movement inside the zone, a senior EU official said on Thursday. Meanwhile, a package of proposals including a new evaluation mechanism has got initial approval from members of the European Parliament (MEPs) this week. The package includes a new EU-based Schengen evaluation mechanism as well as the amendment on the current Schengen borders code to lay down common rules on temporarily reintroducing internal border checks in exceptional cases. In particular, the new mechanism will allow inspection teams to make unannounced visits to internal borders aimed at halting any attempt to impose illegal border checks, according to the Commission. "It will better ensure that the rules are respected. By reinforcing the European dimension, it will contribute to protecting one of the most cherished achievements of the EU, the freedom of movement," the EU's home affairs commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said here on Thursday. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, free movement is considered as the most positive outcome of the EU integration process for more than 50 years. The Schengen area comprises 22 out of 27 EU member states and four non-EU states, namely Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The system was under huge pressure following a sudden influx of migrants from North African countries back in 2011, which triggered the ongoing reform efforts. The package still needs formal endorsement from the Parliament and the Council. All MEPs are expected to vote on the proposal in June or July.