The European Commission issued opinions on the prolonged reintroduction of internal border controls by nine Schengen countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.
The Commission finds that while EU law allows temporary border controls in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security, these must remain necessary and proportionate. Since the controls in these cases have exceeded 12 months, the Commission is required to assess them.
The Commission reported that Member States have legitimate concerns related to security and migration pressures. However, internal border checks negatively affect cross-border travel, neighbouring countries and local communities.
The Commission highlights that upcoming EU migration reforms, including the Pact on Migration and Asylum, along with systems like the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the future ETIAS will strengthen external border management and reduce the need for internal controls.
The Commission urges the concerned Member States to gradually phase out and lift internal border controls, using alternative tools such as risk-based police checks and modern technologies and strengthened cooperation.
- European Commission (2 June, 2026), [Commission issues opinions on temporary internal border controls in Schengen Area],