European Commission urges Schengen states to scale back internal border checks

The Commission issued formal opinions on the continued border checks maintained by Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and Norway. The latter is part of the Schengen Area without being a member of the European Union.

While Brussels acknowledged that the measures were introduced in response to legitimate concerns over security threats and migration pressures, it stressed that internal border controls should remain exceptional, proportionate and temporary.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said conditions have evolved sufficiently to allow member states to start reducing their reliance on internal checks. “With these conditions in place, member states are in a position to work towards phasing out controls at internal borders,” Brunner stated.

The Commission specifically encouraged countries such as Germany and France to begin scaling back border restrictions that have been in place for extended periods.

Alternative security measures encouraged
Rather than relying on permanent or recurring border checks, Brussels is urging governments to make greater use of targeted enforcement tools, including mobile police patrols, risk-based inspections, biometric identification systems and vehicle monitoring technologies.

According to the Commission, many countries already employ intelligence-led and non-systematic checks away from border crossings, offering a viable alternative while preserving freedom of movement.

The EU believes that upcoming digital border initiatives will further reduce the need for internal controls. The recently introduced Entry-Exit System (EES), which replaces passport stamping with biometric registration for non-EU travellers, is expected to improve monitoring of external borders.

In addition, the forthcoming Migration and Asylum Pact is designed to strengthen cooperation among member states and improve management of migration flows at the EU’s external frontiers.

Irregular migration falls sharply
The Commission highlighted data showing that irregular border crossings into the European Union declined by around 40% during the first four months of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Despite the drop, several governments have maintained internal controls amid domestic political pressure to tighten migration policies. Germany, for example, has operated some form of internal border checks since 2015.

Brussels concludes that member states should progressively replace internal border controls with alternative security measures while deepening cross-border cooperation.

Under Schengen rules, temporary border controls may be introduced in response to serious security threats, but EU legislation generally limits such measures to a maximum duration of two years and requires regular review to ensure they remain justified.

The Commission will continue discussions with national governments to ensure that temporary border checks do not become a permanent feature of the Schengen Area, which remains one of Europe’s most important achievements for tourism, business travel and cross-border mobility.