On Wednesday 28 September, the European Commission said that it still did not have any reason to withdraw the authorisations for the internal Schengen border controls currently being exercised by five countries: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway. Although these internal controls are strictly being carried out within the permitted limitations and remain proportionate to what is necessary, the Commission believes that there are still a number of uncertainties. For example, in the Commission report, it explains that there are still a large number of irregular migrants in Greece who might want to "go to the North".
The Commission also says that the European coastguard and border guard agency is still not operational (this will be officially launched in Bulgaria on 6 October), and neither are other instruments that help strengthen the EU's external borders. It therefore appears "necessary", at this stage, to maintain these controls, the Commission report states.
This observation, however, will not prejudge the decision the Commission is due to take on 12 November at the end of the authorised control period (which began in May 2016 for six months). In theory, the Commission's objective is to return to an entirely normal situation in the Schengen area by the end of 2016, even though it has not yet set out any specific date (it mentioned November or December in its roadmap, "Returning to the Schengen Spirit", adopted on 4 March). It says that this should be done "as soon as possible". The Commission may also decide on 12 November to authorise the extension of these controls for a further six-month period. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)