The reintroduction of controls at the internal borders of European countries is possible. What some countries define as the "systemic and persistent threat" represented by the entry of migrants into the European Union, as well as by terrorism, could lead to the activation of article 26 of the Schengen Treaty, or the authorization of its suspension throughout the area for a period of two years.
Meanwhile, Germany, Austria, Croatia, France, Sweden and Denmark have already restored border controls. Controls which, however, barring revisions to the Treaty, will only last until May. Meanwhile, within the Union the political situation is becoming more and more complicated, above all on the lack of agreement for the equitable distribution of migrants among the 28 States.
Return to checks at internal borders of European countries, therefore, could represent a barrier to the migrant emergency, but risks costing a lot, in economic terms, to the countries of the Union. Returning to customs would have a negative economic impact of at least 28 billion euros, according to the most conservative estimates.
In fact, the goods and products that pass within Europe have enjoyed this freedom of movement and more fluid times over the years. Stopping a truck for an hour at the border would be equivalent to an extra outlay of around 55 euros, to be multiplied by the 60 million vehicles that cross a border every year. Not to mention, then, the circulation of perishable goods within the area.
An already high bill to which those for customs would be added. According to initial estimates, for example, Germany would spend 100 million a year on its borders. A series of figures that would fit into an economic context, that of the European Union, which is far from thriving.
The Italian premier has also expressed his opinion on the suspension of Schengen Matteo Renzi: “Schengen is very much questioned and for us it is really sad. Free movement was the great European dream. It's right to be careful against terrorism but suspending Schengen doesn't stop terrorists: some terrorists from Paris grew up in our cities”. For Renzi, "the closure of Schengen puts the European project at risk".
