Controls at the internal borders of the European Union have now become a daily occurrence and have once again been extended by France and Denmark.
The French government has informed the European Commission of its decision to extend border controls in the Schengen area from 1 November this year until 30 April 2025. The extension is due to serious threats to public order and internal security, primarily from high-level terrorist activities.
The growing presence of criminal networks facilitating illegal migration and smuggling, as well as migratory flows that pose the risk of infiltration by radicalised individuals, also justifies further controls. Additionally, illegal border crossings across the Channel and the North Sea, coupled with increasing violence among migrants, particularly in northern coastal areas such as Dunkirk and Calais, have intensified the situation.
In light of these threats, France will control its borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, covering land, air, and sea routes.
Denmark has similarly decided to extend its border controls. From 12 November this year until 11 May 2025, checks will be conducted at its land, sea, and air borders with Germany. The Danish Ministry of the Interior has cited serious threats to public order and internal security due to ongoing terrorism-related incidents, organised crime, and Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. In addition, the impact of armed conflicts in the Middle East and Africa is contributing to increased migratory pressure.
