From today, November 1, controls at France’s borders with Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy officially begin.
Due to irregular migration concerns and terrorist threats, France decided to reintroduce border controls with its six Schengen neighbouring countries that will last at least until April 30, Schengen.News reports.
France has kept such measures in place for nearly a decade. The last extension was scheduled to end on October 31, 2024. However, French authorities notified the European Commission that that border controls would continue to be maintained.
A Model That Has Proven to Be Effective
Announcing the reintroduction of frontier checks, the Prime Minister of France, Michel Barnier, said that this model has proven effective.
Long Waiting Times at France’s Borders
Unlike the French PM Barnie, some travel experts consider the measure would negatively affect the country.
Travel experts have warned travellers from France’s neighbouring countries that they will be subject to long waiting times when reaching France from November 1, 2024.
From this decision, the most affected ones, according to travel experts, will be travellers from Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Cross-border commuters and business and trade will also be highly affected by France’s recent measures.
In addition, the Europe-wide political party Volt Europa staged a protest on November 2 against the reintroduction of border controls by France and Germany.
Germany Initiates Land Border Controls
Irregular Migrants to Be Expelled From France
Irregular migration concerns are among the main concerns of French authorities. The Western European country plans to take additional measures to improve migrant management in addition to maintaining border checks.
Recently, the Interior Minister of France, Bruno Retailleau, has vowed to expel immigrants who reach the country in an irregular way, therefore aiming to tighten law and order.
In addition, Retailleau called for a coalition with other EU countries to compel the European Commission to tighten its immigration laws.
Source: https://schengen.news/starting-today-france-reinstates-border-controls-with-its-neighbouring-countries/
