A Schengen within Schengen sounds like useful idea for the Dutch government in order to fight against terrorism and ensure security. We have some strong opinions from Sophie in 't Veld, Harald Vilimsky, Janez Jansa and György Nógrádi.
The Dutch government has debated internally and with its allies a plan to introduce passport checks at the borders of several Western European countries (The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Belgium, Germany and Austria) in a bid to control an influx of migrants and refugees, Reuters reported on Thursday. We asked experts and politicians about the idea of a "mini-Schengen" within the Schengen which would seem to violate the treaty guaranteeing free travel within 26 European countries.
Sophie in 't Veld, Dutch Vice-Chair of ALDE in the European Parliament
I do not think it is a good idea at all. Instead, the Netherlands should strive to strengthen Schengen, make sure we do not lose the achievement of open borders in Europe. It is essential for prosperity. Schengen should be bigger, not smaller.
Harald Vilimsky, Austrian Vice-Chair of ENF in the European Parliament
The protection of Schengen external borders is not functioning, "mini-Schengen" wouldn't function either. I want to reestablish the protection of Austrian borders in national competence.
Janez Jansa, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Chairman of Slovenian Democratic Party
Where were they when Hungary and Bulgaria defended Schengen and the external border of the EU? Nevertheless, such proposals help to create the much needed pressure on EU institutions and Germany to take the security of the external EU borders seriously. It is obvious now that there are only two possible solutions out of this security crisis in EU: to respect Schengen order and stop the inflow of immigrants or to establish national borders again.
György Nógrádi, Hungarian security policy expert
A positive aspect of the "mini-Schengen" plan is that it would unite five highly developed countries but we shouldn't forget that the terrorists are mostly already inside these countries. It's a surprise that they left France out. It's very unlikely that this initiative will be successful because it's incredibly offensive towards other Schengen member states.
