Source: European Parliament
Under the Schengen Borders Code[1], Member States are allowed to reintroduce internal border control as a temporary measure of last resort to address serious threats to public policy or internal security.
The Commission, through its Schengen Coordinator, is in close contact with the Member States concerned to ensure that checks are necessary and proportionate and have limited impact on cross-border traffic.
The control of the external borders must take place in full compliance with fundamental rights. The Commission is stepping up the fight against human trafficking and smuggling.
In 2023, the Commission adopted proposals for a directive on preventing and countering the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and stay in the EU and a regulation to reinforce EU’s law enforcement agency (Europol)’s role against migrants smuggling and trafficking[2]. International cooperation is promoted through the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling.
The Commission and EU Agencies[3] have provided significant operational, technical and financial support to Greece to address migration and border management challenges.
Member States, including Greece, receive EU financial support under the Home Affairs Funds to address high migratory pressure.
Under its new mandate, the Commission will present a new approach on return and increase the operational capabilities of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), OJ L 77, 23/03/2016, p. 1-52, as amended by Regulation (EU) 1717/2024.
- [2] COM(2023) 755 final and COM(2023) 754 final.
- [3] EUAA, Frontex, Europol.