by FATMA YILMAZ ELMAS
Europe has recently engaged in a debate over the Schengen system triggered by a Franco-Italian proposal. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi asked the European Commission to make changes on Schengen rules in favor of member states. The proposal came to the agenda following the Tunisian migrant crisis, which strained relations between France and Italy. On April 26, the two leaders signed a letter proposing the introduction of border checks at the internal frontiers in case of a serious threat to public order, i.e. exceptional circumstances.
The commission responded to the letter by publishing a communiqué on migration on May 4. In this publication, the commission commended the possible amendment of Schengen rules in terms of internal border controls. The positive response of the commission then led to new concerns and debates.
The debate on Schengen has prompted discussion by critics not only about its possibility but also its meaning about, and impact on, European integration. Some say Europe is on the brink and the ideal Europe in the mind of the founding visionaries simply remains in the rhetoric. Some, in contrast, find the debates overblown and assess the attempt to change the rules as a need to reinforce the governance of Schengen, which was planned well before the recent uprisings in North Africa. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, even though being critical of the reintroduction of de facto border controls, defends the commission’s proposal by stating that it is “not a knee-jerk reaction.” Hence, it seems the Franco-Italian call for a rewrite of the Schengen Treaty has left Europeans swinging in between the strengthening of Schengen and the dismantling of Europe.
Those who are critical of the proposal because it would change Schengen rules have a good reason pointing out the fact that free movement is the main principle of European Union integration and that the proposal is an attack on the EU’s main achievement. Even if isn’t, such an attempt would lead to a development of a two-track Europe where some can freely travel in Europe while others cannot, according to the complaints of some commentators. In addition, one can expect a future trend to reinstate border checks in other Schengen members.
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