Increased checks on external EU borders

EU member states will carry out systematic checks against relevant databases on all individuals at the EU’s external borders, regardless of whether, or not they are EU nationals, after EU Ministers gave the final green light on new regulations which will amend the Schengen Borders Code, the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU announced yesterday.

The new regulations will apply to all external EU borders (air, sea and land borders), both when individuals are leaving or arriving into the EU. However, movement within Europe (the Schengen area) remains unaffected.

The Malta Independent yesterday yesterday reported that 28% (14) of people caught travelling with false documents last year were caught within the short, 20-day period when Schengen was suspended. This indicates that more people using false documents can cross borders undetected when Schengen is in place.

Commenting on the final agreement, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said reinforcing the EU’s external border controls is an important tool for fighting the terrorist threat in Europe and improving the security of our citizens. “Systematic checks at the external borders will provide us with a means to address all potential risks to internal security, including those posed by foreign terrorist fighter returnees.”

The new requirement for systematic checks will see authorities at the EU’s external borders check the travel documents of all individuals against several databases, including the Schengen Information System (SIS) and Interpol’s database on Stolen and Lost Travel Documents.

The systematic checks will also enable authorities to ensure that anyone entering the EU does not threaten public policy, internal security or public health, thus strengthening the resilience of the borderless internal Schengen area.

The Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU has made strengthening security in the EU one of its six priorities, the statement read.