Meeting in Luxembourg on 13 June, the interior ministers of the Schengen Member States and those of the countries associated with the area will approve a political declaration on the area of free movement almost 40 years after its creation, in which they will undertake to ensure that the operation of the area of free movement remains adapted to the various challenges of the present and the future.
They will also reiterate that they will only reintroduce internal border controls as a last resort.
The Declaration consists of a 10-point commitment: “We will defend the unfettered free movement of persons, which lies at the core of our Schengen policies, by ensuring that reintroduction of internal border controls remains a measure of last resort”, the text states.
“We will take all appropriate measures, whether they are Schengen instruments or otherwise related to them, with respect to external border controls, secondary movements, asylum, immigration, return of those illegally staying as well as the prevention and combating of off-line and on-line cross border crime and terrorism, ensuring a secure Schengen area”.
The Declaration also emphasises the role of mutual trust between Schengen members, which is “the cornerstone for the proper functioning and further development of Schengen, and the basis for the confidence of our citizens. It relies on our individual responsibility for a coherent and effectively applied legislative and regulatory framework, monitored inter alia through regular Schengen evaluations and the rule of law principles, ensuring common ownership of collective challenges”.
“We guarantee that the Schengen area will remain open to the world. Being the most attractive and visited area requires even more efficient and fluid access for bona fide travellers, while guaranteeing a high level of security”, the text reads.
It also mentions the issue of the return of illegal immigrants. “We commit to swiftly and effectively returning people with no right to stay in a humane and dignified manner”.
With regard to Bulgaria and Romania, which partially joined the area in the spring, the ministers will indicate that they will strive to complete their integration process “as soon as possible”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)