EPP: Internal Schengen Border Controls Could Damage the Single Market
The European People’s Party has raised concerns in a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that if border controls remain in place for any longer, they may have consequences on the Single Market.
Through the joint letter sent to President von der Leyen, the Group’s Spokespersons on the Single Market and Home Affairs, MEPs Andreas Schwab and Roberta Metsola, called for strict monitoring of border controls in the Schengen Area,
“We need to stay vigilant, no doubt, but if the level of the pandemic is equally low on either side of the border, seal-offs are no longer justified. Member States are doing themselves a huge disservice and are raising false expectations by keeping the borders closed,” Andreas Schwab pointed out.
He stressed that a well-functioning Single Market needs to be part of the response to the economic and health crisis. Schwab said that people and the economy alike are suffering from closed borders.
EPP Group’s Spokeswoman for Home Affairs Roberta Metsola said that unnecessary extension of border controls cannot be accepted. According to her, the Schengen Border Code is there for a reason, calling the European Commission to closely monitor the developments.
“Member States should work together so that the EU can gradually, carefully and responsibly reopen the borders in a unified way. Cohesion in this matter would provide much-needed certainty at this time,” she announced.
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, a large share of Schengen Area countries have reintroduced temporary border controls, in their fight against the deadly virus.
Many fear a grim future awaits the Schengen Zone if member countries do not reopen their borders in time, as the recent history has shown they are quick on the reestablishment of borders, but slow and hesitating when it comes to their removal.
According to the European Parliament regarding the impact that the suspension of Schengen would have in the economy of the member states, depending on region, sector and alternative trade channels, the member states would suffer the loss of €5 billion to €18 billion per year.
The research, which dates back to March 2016, estimates that border controls would cost commuters and other travellers about €1.3 and €5.2 billion per year, while the systematic border checks would cost member states and additional €7.5 billion in for road hauliers alone.
