European Union: General Approach on Schengen Border Code Reform Adopted

The Council of the European Union has agreed to reform the Schengen border code to provide new tools to guide migration flows in Europe, create a new legal framework for external border control in health crisis situations, update internal border controls and provide alternative measures to those internal controls. On the first point, the aim is to limit the number of crossing points at EU external borders along with their opening times and increase surveillance at those points. Secondly, the reform provides for the quick adoption of binding rules for temporary travel restrictions of a minimum level during a health crisis, strengthening the recommendations that were developed during the pandemic. Additionally, where an EU Member State considers the need for internal borders to continue beyond two and a half years, it will need to notify the Commission, giving a justification and expected end date for the control. Finally, the reform to the border code would also provide alternative options for internal controls including more effective police checks.