Due to national security concerns, the Norwegian authorities have decided to extend internal border controls until November 11, 2024, imposing random police checks at border crossings with its neighbouring countries.
The news was communicated by the Norwegian Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness, Emilie Mehl, who ordered this measure due to an increased terrorist threat, with Jewish and Israeli people being specifically targeted, Schengen.News reports.
Norway Alerted Over Terrorist Threats in Light of Israel-Hamas Conflict
The Norwegian Police Security (PST) has increased the terrorist threat level to four from five, which shows a high risk. Border controls have been enhanced, especially since October 7, 2024, when the Israel-Hamas conflict occurred.
Two days before this announcement to extend border controls, the police director had made military or security resources available to protect national security.
The previous border controls introduced by the Norwegian security service would expire today, October 22, 2024, and would allow police checks on certain individuals entering the country, so no delays at border crossings were expected.
Norwegian Minister Likely to Order Extension of Internal Border Controls Further
In recent months, internal border controls in Norway have been extended each time for up to 20 days. However, Minister Mehl has revealed that this measure could remain effective for some more time if national security is threatened.
By the beginning of October, Israeli embassies in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden) have been under threat after individuals in these respective countries have targeted them.
In Copenhagen, the Danish police said that three Swedish nationals were arrested after two blasts were reported near the perimeter of the Israeli Embassy in the capital. On the same day, October 2, 2024, the Swedish police said that the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm had been targeted in a shooting.
As the Norwegian Minister points out, these events have triggered the country to extend internal border controls even further.
Denmark and Sweden have enhanced their border protection, carrying out more police checks and extending internal border controls for upcoming months. In addition to the Scandinavian countries, Germany has also prolonged its internal border controls, which will expire in six months.
France is the latest country to announce an extension of current border controls. France will maintain its border controls until 2025, and like other countries previously mentioned, these measures are being introduced in order to protect national security from terrorist threats.
Source: https://schengen.news/norway-extends-internal-border-controls-until-november-11/
