France said Wednesday (4 April) it has decided to extend border checks with countries in Europe’s Schengen passport-free zone until the end of October because of the persistent threat of terrorism, reports EURACTIV.
France introduced border controls after the Islamic State group attacks that killed 130 people in Paris on 13 November 2015 and has renewed them every six months since then amid new attacks.
“Considering the number of recent and thwarted attacks, particularly the one in Trèbes,that have hit French territory, the government has decided a new extension,” the French interior ministry said.
Moroccan-born Frenchman Radouane Lakdim, during a rampage in Carcassonne and Trèbes on 23 March, killed four people before he was shot dead by police.
A European Commission spokesman confirmed “we received notification from France this week” to extend controls for six months beyond the 30 April expiry date.
Unlike temporary checks to curb migration in the Schengen zone, those linked to security do not require a formal green light from the Commission, the 28-nation EU executive.
A total of 26 European countries, including 22 European Union member states, make up the Schengen zone where no passport is required when crossing borders.
In addition to France, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and non-EU Norway have also imposed border controls, but initially to curb uncontrolled migration.