Continuing identity checks at the border between France and Luxembourg

23.4.2014

Question for written answer E-005439-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Sonia Alfano (ALDE)

Under Article 21(a) of the Schengen Borders Code, Member States have the right to exercise police powers, even in border areas, provided that in so doing they do not perform the equivalent of border checks.

Infringement proceedings were initiated against France in 2011 in response to the country's apparent reluctance to submit to Schengen rules and stop carrying out identity checks on the border between France and Luxembourg. Although the number of checks on car occupants crossing the border has decreased, MEPs, officials, assistants and contract staff travelling to Strasbourg by train to attend Parliament's monthly part-sessions are still being subjected to systematic police checks at Thionville, on the Franco-Luxembourg border. These procedures are clearly the equivalent of border checks.

Does the Commission intend to contact the French authorities in an effort to put a stop to these border checks?

OJ C 456, 18/12/2014