The lawmakers of Luxembourg have called for an end to the internal Schengen border controls imposed by France and Germany.
During a debate that was held on Thursday, the lawmakers passed a motion that stated that the border controls cannot be extended if the requirements to make such prolongations are not met, Schengen.News reports.
As Luxembourg Times explains, the legitimacy of the extra border controls was discussed by the deputies, with LSAP politician Yves Cruchten saying that the country cannot allow internal border control to become the norm.
At the same time, Cruchten said that the border controls that were implemented by France and Germany recently should only be seen as a last resort and not be introduced regularly.
Germany introduced internal border controls at all its land borders on September 16. This measure has been described as temporary by the German authorities, with them saying that the controls will initially remain in place for six months.
As for France, the country reinstated border controls with its neighbouring countries on November 1. The internal border controls of France will remain effective until April 30, 2025.
The two member states said that the measure is being implemented to protect national security from terrorist threats and prevent irregular migration.
However, Luxembourg deputies said that irregular migration should not be used as an excuse by the Schengen countries for additional checks.
Migration Issue Cannot Be Solved With Individual Border Controls, Wydert Said
Supporting the motion of LSAP, deputy Stéphanie Weydert said that the migration issue won’t be solved by introducing individual checks within Schengen, stressing that the member countries need to strengthen external borders together, Luxembourg Times notes.
Additionally, Weydert reminded other lawmakers that cross-border workers are an important part of the well-being of Luxembourg, suggesting that the controls are causing travel difficulties for them.
The Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden also commented on the matter. During an address in the parliament, Minister Gloden stressed that Luxembourg’s government is against internal border control. He further said that they want to strengthen external borders instead.
France and Germany are not the only member states that currently have internal border controls in place. At the moment, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Austria, and Slovenia also carry out internal border controls.
Just this week, Austria decided to extend its border controls with Slovenia and Hungary until May 2025, citing irregular migration and people smuggling reasons. Similarly, Norway has also extended border checks. The country said that controls with neighbouring Schengen countries will remain in place until December 1.
Source: https://schengen.news/luxembourg-lawmakers-call-for-end-of-internal-border-controls-imposed-by-france-germany/
