Denmark tightens border controls

[Bangyai]

Denmark has tightened its border controls in a move which opponents claim could sound the death knell for the EU’s principle of free movement.

Danish custom officers check a unindentified driver from the Netherlands at the Danish-German border in Padborg, Denmark Photo: EPA

By Matthew Day
5:00PM BST 05 Jul 2011


The Scandinavian country deployed an extra 50 customs officers at crossings on the German and Swedish borders in an attempt to curb cross-border crime and illegal immigration.

This figure will rise to 98 by the end of the year.

Denmark, which belongs to the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone, also plans to increase video surveillance at crossings and build four new customs houses.

Denmark’s decision to become the first country to break ranks with its Schengen peers has sparked concern for the future of unrestricted travel between EU countries.

The principle of open borders is already threatened by political pressures created by the influx of refugees fleeing the turmoil in North Africa.

Cecilia Malmstrom, European commissioner for internal affairs, warned of repercussions for Denmark if it was found to break Schengen regulations

“If the Danish government proceeds with a proposal in breach of EU law, we stand ready to take the necessary measures to protect the European values of free movement,” she wrote in her blog.
Guido Westerwelle, Germany’s foreign minister, criticised the Danish move, saying it endangered EU co-operation and solidarity, while Jorg-Uwe Hahn, Europe minister for the German state of Hesse, called for Germans to boycott holidaying in Denmark by “voting with their feet” to punish the Scandinavian country.
Heightening European fears that Denmark’s decision may lead to the unravelling of the Schengen zone France’s National Front immediately seized on the Danish initiative with its latest campaign poster stating “Denmark patrols its borders ... why don’t we?”
But Denmark defended its decision, arguing the new border regime was in line with Schengen regulations as its customs officers will not be checking passports.
“It’s been proven that illegal merchandise is being smuggled into Denmark. Cross-border criminality should not enjoy freedom of movement, but people should,” Peter Christensen, the Danish tax minister, told public broadcaster DR.

Denmark tightens border controls - Telegraph

[Neo]

Denmark has tightened its border controls in a move which opponents claim could sound the death knell for the EU’s principle of free movement.

Denmark’s decision to become the first country to break ranks with its Schengen peers has sparked concern for the future of unrestricted travel between EU countries.

If you are an EU citizen or you have a current visa then your right to unrestricted movement will not be affected. I don't see the problem with this move by Denmark.

[who]

Denmark has tightened its border controls in a move which opponents claim could sound the death knell for the EU’s principle of free movement.

Danish custom officers check a unindentified driver from the Netherlands at the Danish-German border in Padborg, Denmark Photo: EPA

By Matthew Day
5:00PM BST 05 Jul 2011


The Scandinavian country deployed an extra 50 customs officers at crossings on the German and Swedish borders in an attempt to curb cross-border crime and illegal immigration.

This figure will rise to 98 by the end of the year.

Denmark, which belongs to the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone, also plans to increase video surveillance at crossings and build four new customs houses.

Denmark’s decision to become the first country to break ranks with its Schengen peers has sparked concern for the future of unrestricted travel between EU countries.

The principle of open borders is already threatened by political pressures created by the influx of refugees fleeing the turmoil in North Africa.

Cecilia Malmstrom, European commissioner for internal affairs, warned of repercussions for Denmark if it was found to break Schengen regulations

“If the Danish government proceeds with a proposal in breach of EU law, we stand ready to take the necessary measures to protect the European values of free movement,” she wrote in her blog.
Guido Westerwelle, Germany’s foreign minister, criticised the Danish move, saying it endangered EU co-operation and solidarity, while Jorg-Uwe Hahn, Europe minister for the German state of Hesse, called for Germans to boycott holidaying in Denmark by “voting with their feet” to punish the Scandinavian country.
Heightening European fears that Denmark’s decision may lead to the unravelling of the Schengen zone France’s National Front immediately seized on the Danish initiative with its latest campaign poster stating “Denmark patrols its borders ... why don’t we?”
But Denmark defended its decision, arguing the new border regime was in line with Schengen regulations as its customs officers will not be checking passports.
“It’s been proven that illegal merchandise is being smuggled into Denmark. Cross-border criminality should not enjoy freedom of movement, but people should,” Peter Christensen, the Danish tax minister, told public broadcaster DR.

Denmark tightens border controls - Telegraph

"passport-free Schengen zone" another stupid idea of the stupid left.

[Neo]

And you had to quote the whole article to tell us that..?

[astasinim]

“It’s been proven that illegal merchandise is being smuggled into Denmark.

Marmite smuggling?

[Sailing into trouble]

Is it stupid? The USA is made up of states with open borders. As does Canada with its provinces. It is the external borders that need to be enforced. Also the expansion rate of the EU seems hell bent on creating a bigger market without thought to the social dilemma's that this brings. With the number of second and dam near third world newbie entrants, the ideal of open borders, has not worked. The USA has a huge problem with illegals on its southern border. But without them their economic base would crumble in the southern states.

Huge problem not sure anyone can stick a finger into the dyke and stop this tidal surge now. Too little too late!

[Neo]

Denmark is in a unique position as it only shares one short land border (if I recall correctly) with Germany. And t's the most likely traficking route into Scandinavia.
So I would think there will be a lot of support from the Scandi's for this.

[Sailing into trouble]

True, it would also must end up as a major holding ground for all the illegals as well, for those that are seeking Northern destinations.

The Chunnel link in France had a small town develop of illegals. Only one bridge over the river here and so far no problems