European Commission proposes new border crossing rules

European Commission proposes new border crossing rules

2011-03-10 21:41:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union (EU) on Thursday announced that its Commission is proposing new rules for border crossing in the region to increase efficiency.

The Commission proposed to amend the Schengen Borders Code with the aim of facilitating the movement of people across EU internal and external borders in a controlled manner.

"This proposal will help speed up border controls and increase legal certainty for travelers and border guards," said Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Home Affairs.

"With these new rules in place, we hope to reduce the administrative hassle for people traveling both within, to and from the EU. This will make life easier for our citizens," Malmström added.

According to the Commission, the proposed changes will enhance the clarity of the existing regulation, responding to practical problems that have arisen during the first years of application of the Schengen Borders Code.

The proposal focuses on better cooperation between the EU and third countries, as wee as a legal framework for bilateral agreements related to joint border checks on road traffic, which would reinforce cooperation at land borders between EU Member States and neighboring third countries.

Furthermore, the Commission noted that if adopted in time, the proposals would allow for smooth border crossings during the European football championship which will be organized by Poland and Ukraine in 2012.

In addition, the possibility of creating separate lanes for visa-free travelers would provide for additional flexibility in accordance with practical needs, the Commission said. Also, the administrative burden on intra-EU cargo ships, international train crews and offshore workers will be lighter.

The proposal also covers entry conditions for third country nationals. The will be clarified, the Commission said, through a clearer determination of the calculation method for "stays not exceeding three months per six-month period" and of the required length of validity of travel documents of non visa holders.

Improved training of border guards: In order to detect situations involving particularly vulnerable people, such as unaccompanied minors and victims of trafficking, the proposal also calls for specialized training for border guards.

The Schengen Borders Code entered into force in October 2006. It established a Community Code with standards and procedures on crossing EU external borders and on reintroducing checks at internal borders.

Before the proposal can be adopted, its amendments have to be discussed by the Council and the European Parliament.

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