Brussels, 10/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - A forthcoming European Commission proposal will explain that surprise inspections are going to be carried out at member state borders, to verify appropriate application of Schengen area rules. Union citizens can travel within the Schengen area without having to undergo border controls at internal borders. There are, however, certain obstacles to this free movement, which particularly affect the level of traffic at road passage points because, according to the European Commission, member states do not always correctly apply the Schengen regulation. This is why the Commission will adopt a new proposal on Friday, which aims to enhance the assessment mechanism put in place for ensuring appropriate application of this regulation in member states. The new mechanism will iron out any irregularities in the current sporadic inspections mechanism in place in member states. It also introduces surprise inspections in an effort to ensure that Schengen rules are correctly applied in all circumstances. The proposal introduces multiannual evaluation programmes for on-the-spot inspections and lays down clear follow-up rules for assessment conclusions. The assessment mechanism sets out clear, efficient and transparent rules with regard to what assessment methods should be applied. Assessments are particularly aimed at ensuring respect for fundamental rights during the application of the Schengen acquis. The proposal is aimed at all aspects of Schengen cooperation, particularly the issue of external borders, visa policy, police co-operation and the Schengen Information System. (B.C./transl.fl)