Brussels, 30/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 30 June, the S&D Group at the EP joined in the warnings addressed to the Commission and Council regarding the future re-casting of Schengen area rules, promising to firmly oppose any proposal that would not aim at strengthening the free movement of Europeans, would not involve the EP in decision-making, and against any initiative that would not enhance the Commission's prerogatives in assessing the way the Schengen area is working.
In a press release, Claude Moraes underlined the fact that Schengen was a success, not a problem. In his view, although it is always possible to improve the system, “EU citizens have other priorities and reintroducing old passport controls would certainly not improve their lives”. In recent days, the ALDE and Greens/EFA Groups have themselves warned against any backpedalling and exclusion of the EP. (S.P./transl.jl)