Functioning of the Schengen area: release of the 6th Bi-annual report (May-October 2014)

On 11 November 2014, the European Commission has released its 6th bi-annual report on the functioning of the Schengen area covering the period from 1 May to 31 October 2014.

Logo European commission

This report has been submitted to the European Parliament and the Council and contains four main sections:

  1. Situational picture (outside and inside the Schengen borders)
  2. Application of the Schengen acquis, including cases of temporarily reintroduced control at internal borders, maintaining the absence of internal border control, development of European Border Surveillance System (Eurosur), alleged violations of other parts of the Schengen acquis  weaknesses identified  via the Schengen evaluation mechanism as well as lifting of control at internal borders with Bulgaria and Romania
  3. Flanking measures, including use of the Schengen Information System (SIS), use of the Visa Information System (VIS) as well as visa policy and readmission agreements
  4. The way ahead: issues for reflection

When it comes to the situational picture, some key elements are being presented:

Situation at the external borders of the Schengen area

  • Persistence of migratory flows from the Mediterranean to Europe (with a peak during summertime) and additional human losses
  • Large movements within Schengen area (especially from Italy to other member states)
  • Significant increase in the number of irregular border crossings reported (2,5 times more for the period from May to July 2014 compared to the same period of 2013). Main nationalities of the persons detected are from Syria and Eritrea.
  • 2500 requests for asylum from Ukrainians  (only for the period May-July 2014) but low detections of irregular border crossings by Ukrainian nationals.   
  • High concerns over detection at Schengen area external borders of foreigners fighters from Syria

Situation within the Schengen area

  • Detections of irregular stay increased by 35% compared to the same period of 2013
  • Mos Maiorum : most recent data collection operation from 13 to 26 October to collect information on main illegal routes and operating modes and procedures of criminal networks
  • The Commission continued its investigation into four cases, including Belgium, on possible violations of provisions on the abolition of internal border control

To read the full report click here or dowload the enclosed document