Endorsement of draft proposal on compulsory checks at external borders

The European Parliament's plenary session endorsed on 16 February 2017 a compromise text agreed with the Council of the European Union for a proposal which amends the Schengen Borders Code (SBC).

The draft law includes systematic checks against databases for all EU citizens and third country nationals entering or leaving the European Union. The rule change was a response to terrorist threats in Europe and the phenomenon of 'foreign fighters'.

The proposal was put forward by the European Commission in December 2015, following the recommendation from the Council in the aftermath of a major terrorist incident on European soil. The informal agreement was reached in December 2016.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 17.02.17: MEPs adopt new laws to stop foreign fighters at EU borders http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/meps-adopt-new-laws-to-stop-foreign-fighters-at-eu-borders/

---