The Commission has today proposed to prolong proportionate controls at certain internal Schengen borders, namely in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark and Norway for a maximum period of six months. National measures have already been introduced by these countries to address the threat to public policy and internal security resulting from the secondary movements of irregular migrants. Today's draft Recommendation proposes to extend these measures, in line with the Schengen Borders Code, as, and despite significant progress made by Greece, not all of the serious deficiencies identified could be adequately and comprehensively addressed within the three months' limit.

The Commission's objective is to return to a normally functioning Schengen area and to lift all internal border controls by the end of 2016, in line with the "Back to Schengen" Roadmap.

For more information, including the full press release, the Commission proposal for a Council recommendation as well as information on the Schengen rules and the Greek Action Plan to address border management deficiencies, please visit the European Commission's website.