The future of freedom of movement in Europe
28.6.2011
Question for written answer E-006675/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Olle Schmidt (ALDE) and Cecilia Wikström (ALDE)
Freedom of movement in Europe is one of the most important foundation stones of European cooperation, which was strengthened in 1995 with the entry into force of cooperation under the Schengen Agreement. There can be no doubt that freedom of movement with open borders within the EU has contributed both to economic growth and to increased opportunities for individuals to travel, study, work and live in the EU.
Schengen cooperation builds on trust between the Member States, but over the years we have seen this trust shaken when individual Member States have made unilateral moves instead of acting together with other Member States.
Particularly in view of the Danish decision of May 2011 to step up customs inspections, we should like to ask the Commission the following:
- 1.What is the Commission’s conclusion concerning the legal aspects, under the rules of the Schengen Agreement, of the Danish agreement on customs inspections?
- 2.Under what circumstances does the Commission consider that increased customs inspections and/or random border controls may be introduced without infringing the fundamental spirit of Schengen cooperation?
- 3.What steps can be taken to prevent Member States from overstepping the common EU line and taking unilateral decisions in this area which affect the whole EU? What does the Commission plan to do to prevail upon Denmark to reverse its decision on increased customs inspections?
OJ C 128 E, 03/05/2012