'Limit time limit for border controls in EU'

brussels - Checks along the borders between EU countries should initially be allowed for two months instead of the current six. The maximum duration must be reduced from two to one year. The European Parliament voted on Thursday for such an amendment to the rules for the Schengen area (319 against 241).

Since the migration crisis in 2015, countries such as Germany, Austria and Denmark have always extended their border controls, which seems to make the free movement of persons in the EU a dead letter. The parliament wants checks only in exceptional situations and as a last resort. 'The Schengen area is not a political toy', says D66 MEP Sophie in 't Veld. 'Border checks are very easy to rig up and almost thoughtlessly extended, without clearly proven necessity. '