France extends Schengen border controls due to security concerns

ISTANBUL

France on Friday extended its Schengen border controls to bolster security measures against potential threats and ensure public safety within its borders.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced on X that the internal border controls with neighboring countries Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland will remain in effect until April 30, 2025, citing "serious threats to public order or internal security."

These measures are expected to cause significant traffic delays for travelers heading to towns such as Mouscron, Tournai, and Menen, according to radio Franceinfo.

Earlier in October, Barnier indicated that the decision followed guidance from the European Commission, stating: "France will maintain the reestablishment of controls." He underscored the need for effective immigration control amid concerns regarding terrorism, criminal networks, and the potential infiltration of radicalized individuals.

Under the Schengen Agreement, citizens of EU member states can travel freely across internal borders with just an identity document, allowing over 400 million people to move without border checks. However, countries may temporarily reinstate border checks in response to serious threats.

Effective immediately, law enforcement will conduct visual inspections of motorists' identity documents at border checkpoints. Individuals deemed "dangerous" may be returned to the country through which they entered the EU, in line with the Dublin Regulation.

Approximately 20 checkpoints will be set up near key border towns, with authorities expecting significant queues reminiscent of conditions before the dismantling of the Rekkem border post in 2014.

Historically, such controls have often extended beyond their initial timeframes; following the 2015 Paris attacks, similar measures were imposed and later extended for security during the 2024 Olympic Games.

Barnier has defended the implementation of these controls, citing Italy as a successful example, stating: "It is a model that has proven itself. We are going to generalize it on all of France's land borders."

In a similar vein, Germany and the Netherlands announced the reinstatement of temporary border controls on Sept. 16, also citing security concerns.