David Martin (S&D), in writing. – I voted for this report on the basis that, with 42 672 km of external sea borders and 8 826 km of land borders, the Schengen free movement area comprises 25 countries (including three non-EU states) and enables free internal travel for nearly half a billion people across the continent. The abolition of internal borders has facilitated freedom of movement for citizens in an unprecedented manner. But this calls for a coordinated approach in securing external borders. And, whereas external borders remain open and efficient for bona fide travellers and for people who need protection, they must be closed for cross-border crime and for other illicit activities.