Increased Security Regulations at EU Borders to Address the Growing Migrant Crisis

The European Union, facing an increase in both legal and illegal migrants, has compelled some member states to temporarily reinstate border controls in areas typically designated for free movement. The laws of the 27 EU countries that form the Schengen Area, which eliminated passport control for member states, permit such actions "as a last resort" in cases deemed a serious threat to internal security or public policy. Below are the measures taken in some of these countries. Austria implemented passport controls at its border with the Czech Republic in October, which are set to continue until December 6. Austria has extended border controls with Slovenia and Hungary until May 2024, citing pressure on its asylum system, arms trafficking, criminal networks linked to the war in Ukraine, and human trafficking as reasons. Denmark intensified border controls at Copenhagen Airport for incoming travelers, including those from Schengen countries, in August to bolster national security following incidents of Quran burning, and has extended land border controls with Germany and ports until May 2024. The Danish government cited increases in illegal migration, terrorism threats, organized crime, foreign espionage, and the war in Ukraine as reasons for this decision. Germany announced land border controls with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland in September, stating that new regulations would last until December 4. Berlin said it needed to respond to the rising number of migrants and high levels of smuggling. Germany also extended land border inspections with Austria until May 2024, citing pressure on its asylum system and security threats related to Middle Eastern terrorism and the war in Ukraine. Italy reintroduced land border controls with Slovenia on October 21, stating that some migrants on the Balkan route may be terrorists, and plans to continue these new regulations until at least December 9. Norway, which is part of the Schengen regulations but not an EU member, established border controls at its ports connected to the Schengen area starting November 12, continuing until May 2024. Poland extended temporary controls at its border with Slovakia until December 3, citing attempts by migrants to enter illegally. Sweden intensified its border controls in August, granting border police greater powers, including physical searches and increased use of electronic surveillance equipment, and extended these regulations until May 2024. France reestablished controls at its borders with Schengen member states in November, citing terrorism threats, with this process continuing until March 2024. Slovakia extended new regulations at its border with Hungary until December 22 to limit the entry of illegal migrants.