In defence of open borders: Why Schengen remains valuable to European countries – including the UK

The Schengen system, which has removed passport checks and border controls between its member states, has come under strain from the migration crisis and the recent terrorist attacks in France and Belgium. But have these developments made Schengen unworkable?

Katja Sarmiento-Mirwaldt writes that the principle of open borders remains extremely valuable to European states, including the UK. She notes however that for Schengen to function effectively it is necessary to have trust that the external borders, such as those in Greece, will be credibly enforced.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Schengen area http://www.europeansources.info/record/schengen-borders-and-visas/

ESO: Background information: Why Schengen matters and how to keep it: a five point plan http://www.europeansources.info/record/why-schengen-matters-and-how-to-keep-it-a-five-point-plan/

ESO: Background information: Cost of Non-Schengen: The Impact of Border Controls within Schengen on the Single Market http://www.europeansources.info/record/cost-of-non-schengen-the-impact-of-border-controls-within-schengen-on-the-single-market/

ESO: Background information: Press Release: Council adopts recommendation for continuation of internal border controls http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-recommendation-for-continuation-of-internal-border-controls/

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