Public expectations and EU policies – Protection of external borders

A series of Briefings from the European Parliamentary Research Service which looks at EU actions in a series of policy areas. This follows up a public opinion survey organised by Eurobarometer for the European Parliament in April 2016 which asked the question: Would you like the EU to intervene less than at present or more than at present for the following policy areas?

Terrorism / Unemployment / Tax fraud / Migration / Borders / Democracy / Environment / Security and defence / Health / Gender equality / Energy / Economy / Foreign policy / Agriculture / Industrial policyAn overwhelming majority of EU citizens expect the EU to intervene more in the protection of external borders than at present. An area without internal frontiers, in which the free movement of persons is ensured with appropriate measures with respect to external border controls is envisaged in the Lisbon Treaty.

EU powers regarding border control are shared with the Member States, and based on solidarity between Member States, including financial implications.

Steps towards further EU action in this area include: the recent revision of the Schengen Borders Code; the revised proposal for an entry-exit system; a draft regulation setting up a European Border and Coast Guard System with a 'right to intervene' in situations at the border requiring urgent action following a Council decision.

Authors: Alexandra Gatto, Alessandro D’Alfonso, Alina Dobreva