Andersen Eide from the Centre Group asks the Danish government about border controls Published: 20.07.2011
Rigmor Andersen Eide, a Norwegian member of the Centre Group, posed a written question to the Danish government after the government decided to tighten the control measures in Denmark's borders.
In his written question, Andersen Eide asked the Danish government to explain whether they are committed to maintaining freedom of movement between the Nordic countries or not.
Last May, the Danish government made the decision to introduce tightened border controls. In practice, the decision means that border checks will be initiated and they will remain in place indefinitely at the Danish borders facing Germany and Sweden as well as in the Danish harbours. Denmark’s plans have faced severe resistance in Germany and other EU countries. Critics in the EU include José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, and the parliamentary group ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe). Barroso says that permanent border controls are in conflict with EU’s Schengen agreement, which is based on freedom of movement.
The Danish government has emphasized that its plans do not contradict the Schengen agreement, as in special circumstances the agreement allows a country to unilaterally adopt strengthened border controls without negotiating the matter at the EU level.
Denmark has justified its decision by saying that border controls help prevent smuggling, illegal immigration and human trafficking. In the answer provided to Andersen Eide, the Danish government also points out that the question is not about passport control, but rather about customs controls, and that the purpose of the controls is to put an end to increased criminal activities, not to inhibit the free movement of ordinary people. The Danish parliament enforced the government’s decision at the beginning of July.
