Denmark has extended temporary controls on its border with Germany, first imposed in January to help regulate an influx of migrants. The measures
ADVERTISEMENTDenmark has extended temporary controls on its border with Germany, first imposed in January to help regulate an influx of migrants.
The measures have been prolonged by another month until the beginning of June.
The European Commission, struggling to prevent the collapse of the Schengen agreement, has confirmed it will soon authorise more such extensions.
The Danish government says it has joined several countries in writing to the Commission asking for a two-year extension.
“Together with the Germans, the French, the Austrians and the Swedes I have today sent a letter to the EU commission asking for the possibility to extend the border control for the next two years,” said Inger Støjberg, Danish minister of immigration and integration.
“I have done so because we need to look out for Denmark. We have to protect ourselves against the Islamic State group, who are trying to take advantage of the situation where there are holes in borders. But also as protection against the influx of refugees coming through Europe.”
The Commission could give the green light as early as Wednesday to countries within the passport-free Schengen zone wishing to extend exceptional border controls.
The five countries have taken the measures because of the influx of migrants and refugees heading north via the so-called Balkans route after entering Europe via the Greek shores.
Although the crisis has eased, the governments say many migrants are still camped along the route and in Greece.
#Germany and #Austria can extend border controls, but need to “phase out” over the summer https://t.co/ACUrM2gafV via
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