EU mulls return to internal border controls

[dipsydoodle]

Source: France 24

After the euro debt crisis, another symbol of European integration faces a key test Thursday as governments consider resurrecting barriers within the cherished border-free travel area.

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A wave of migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean after upheaval in Tunisia and Libya, combined with the rise of far-right parties, has raised the spectre of a return to internal border controls in the 25-nation travel-free area loved by EU citizens and tourists alike.

The ministers will debate European Commission proposals to allow the temporary return of border guards in the case of sudden surges in migration, or should an EU country fail to control its frontier with non-EU nations.

Read more: http://www.france24.com/en/20110512-eu-mulls-return-internal-border-controls-schengen-customs-migrant-europe#

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EU studies plan to change Schengen border treaty.

EU home affairs ministers are meeting to consider controversial proposals to change Europe's 25-nation Schengen accord on passport-free travel.

Divisions have emerged over how best to handle the influx of migrants fleeing the turmoil in North Africa.

Italy and Malta, on the immigration frontline, are urging their EU partners to help them more.

Schengen allows for the temporary reimposition of border controls in special cases to ensure public order.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13372118