The European Commission has called on nine countries in the Schengen Area to gradually dismantle internal border controls, stating that their continued use can only be justified under strictly exceptional circumstances.
The countries concerned include Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden, all of which have reintroduced border checks beyond 12 months amid concerns linked to public security and migration management.
The European Commission acknowledged that these measures are based on legitimate grounds, but stressed they must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality set out in the Schengen Borders Code. It warned that prolonged internal controls directly affect free movement and cross-border regions.
The EU executive noted improvements in coordination among member states, including reduced waiting times at border crossings, but said these developments remain insufficient to justify the long-term maintenance of internal checks.
Brussels also highlighted alternative tools already available, such as non-systematic police checks, mobile biometric verification units, and other surveillance technologies, which it considers effective in ensuring security without reinstating physical borders.
The Commission further pointed to ongoing EU reforms, including the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the operational Entry/Exit System, and the future ETIAS framework, designed to strengthen external border management and reduce the need for internal controls.
On this basis, it urged the countries concerned to prepare coordinated exit strategies in line with EU instruments and regional cooperation mechanisms.
“Schengen is one of Europe’s greatest achievements,” said Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, emphasizing that border checks must remain temporary and exceptional.
Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner added that new EU border management tools now place member states in a stronger position to phase out internal controls, as irregular crossings at external borders continue to decline.
