MEPs believe that restrictions to freedom of movement within the EU should remain an exception during the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Parliament adopted a resolution (619 in favour, 45 against and 28 abstentions) highlighting the need for a swift return to a fully functional Schengen area without internal border controls. The Schengen rules and legislation must be respected during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to avoid a fragmented EU approach, say MEPs.

Parliament calls for more flexibility, localised measures, better coordination and cooperation, as well as contingency plans in order to avoid temporary border controls from becoming semi-permanent in the future.

Protecting freedom of movement

The text points to the negative effects that internal border closures in the EU have on citizens in border regions and cross-border workers, as well as students and couples living in different countries. Restrictions to free movement should remain an exception, underline MEPs, suggesting they rather be replaced by targeted measures that respect the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination.

Citizens coming from border regions and cross-border workers should be exempted from such restrictions, on condition that they respect the advice and measures of their respective authorities.

Cross-border cooperation and access to information

The Commission and member states should enhance their efforts in coordinating a common EU response to the pandemic, notably regarding quarantine rules, contact tracing, testing strategies, mutual recognition of tests, and temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU. MEPs also call for compatibility between tracing apps, and access to reliable, updated, multilingual information on travel restrictions and safety measures across the EU.

Schengen rules

The text recalls that a Strategy on the future of Schengen is a key initiative of the Commission for 2021 and that the completion of the Schengen area is essential to ensure all EU citizens can equally benefit from their EU rights.

Background information

This resolution is a result of a petition received by Parliament on the Schengen system and measures taken during the COVID-19 crises. The petition pointed to the restrictions to freedom of movement and asked to examine the legality of resulting border closures.