Italy's response to Ceuta raises questions about Schengen
In the media image: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
Joris Larik, Associate Professor of Comparative, EU and International Law, comments on the situation at Ceuta in a news interview on Al Jazeera and Times Radio and explains the effect of Italy’s response for Schengen.
The recent migration situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has sparked political reactions across a number of EU Member States. In a news interview, Joris Larik explains the European rules governing the Schengen Area and border controls.
According to Larik, the widely used claim that a country can be suspended from Schengen is legally incorrect. Under certain conditions, Member States may temporarily reintroduce border controls, but the Schengen system does not provide for the unilateral exclusion of a Member State from the area of free movement.
Larik also questions the measures announced by the Italian government. Since Italy does not share a land border with Spain, and border checks on departure from Ceuta are already part of the Schengen rules, he says that the announced measures are largely symbolic in nature.
In addition, Larik emphasises that the protection of the EU’s external borders is a shared responsibility of the European Union. Rather than focusing solely on criticism of Spain, he argues that greater emphasis should be placed on solidarity and support among Member States. At the same time, he warns that the increasingly frequent reintroduction of border controls is placing increasing pressure on the Schengen system, even though European regulations allow such measures under certain conditions.
More information?
Watch the full Al Jazeera interview via Larik's LinkedIn and listen to the Times Radio broadcast.