Key Takeaways:
- The European Commission has asked nine Schengen countries (France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, Netherlands) to gradually lift internal border controls.
- The Commission argues that new digital systems like EES and ETIAS now provide sufficient oversight, making permanent checks unnecessary.
- Germany, which has had controls since 2015, faces particular criticism for disrupting cross-border communities.
- The deadline for full transition is linked to the planned rollout of ETIAS by end of 2026.
The Push for Free Movement
The European Commission has taken a firm stance, urging nine Schengen member states to phase out internal border checks that have been in place for years. In a formal opinion adopted on Tuesday, the Commission asked these countries to work toward lifting controls, citing that new digital border tools now offer robust alternatives. The nations in question include France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, and the Netherlands.
Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, emphasized the context: “The European Union is putting in place the largest reform of our migration management system… We are rolling out the most modern border management systems in the world. With these conditions in place, Member States are in the position to work towards phasing out controls at internal borders.”
What Are the New Systems?
The Commission’s optimism rests heavily on two new digital initiatives: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). EES, which became fully operational in April 2025 after initial delays, replaces passport stamps with digital registration, collecting facial images and fingerprints from non-EU travelers at external borders. ETIAS, expected to be implemented by the end of 2026, will require short-term visitors to register and pay a fee before travel.
The EU executive argues these systems significantly improve monitoring of who enters and leaves the Union, reducing the need for internal checks. They also point to the forthcoming Pact on Migration and Asylum, including tougher rules on returns, as a complement.
The Complaint Against Germany
One of the toughest critiques is reserved for Germany, which has maintained some form of border controls almost continuously since 2015. The Commission’s opinion highlights that despite German efforts to mitigate impacts, “the Commission has received many complaints from citizens and businesses.” Particularly at the German-Luxembourgish, German-Polish, and German-Dutch borders, controls have caused significant disruption for cross-border workers and local communities.
The Commission recommends that internal checks should be replaced by “non-systematic police checks or mobile biometric identification and vehicle tracking technologies” as effective alternatives.
Legal Framework and Impact
Under EU law, Schengen countries can temporarily reintroduce internal border checks in case of serious threats to public policy or security. These checks should, in principle, last no more than two years, though extensions are possible. If they exceed 12 months, the Commission can issue a non-binding opinion assessing their necessity. This formal opinion is now the tool being used to push for change.
The Schengen area encompasses almost 450 million people, with around 3.5 million people crossing internal borders daily for work, study, or visits, and nearly 1.7 million residing in one Schengen country while working in another. The Commission’s action underscores the high stakes for travelers and commuters who rely on frictionless movement.
Current Status and Next Steps
The recommendation does not apply to Switzerland, which has reinstated checks until June 2025 due to the G7 summit in Evian. Notably, irregular border crossings into the EU fell by 40 percent in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the EU’s border agency, indicating that external border reforms are already bearing fruit.
The Commission’s opinion is non-binding, but it sets a clear political expectation. As EES and ETIAS roll out more fully, the pressure on member states to dismantle internal controls will only grow. For travelers and businesses, this could mean smoother journeys across Europe—if the nine countries comply.
With reporting from AFP.