Reintroduction of Border Controls by Germany, Austria Complies with Schengen Rules - EU Commission

The European Commission has concluded that the initial reintroduction of controls at internal borders by Germany and Austria are in compliance with the Schengen Borders Code.

The same holds true for the subsequent prolongations of border controls, the EU executive body said on Friday.

According to the Commission, the initial decisions taken by the German and Austrian authorities to reintroduce controls at the two countries' internal borders, on 13 September and 16 September respectively, were necessary and the measures were proportionate.

Austria and Germany resorted to this extraordinary measure, foreseen in the Schengen Borders Code, to cope with a serious threat to the internal security and public policy caused by a large influx of persons seeking international protection, the Commission stated.