Returning EU subjects systematically screened

The European Parliament has ratified an agreement with the Council that enables an extensive screening of all EU subjects, including returning Syrian fighters with a Belgian passport. “Not a day too soon,” remarks MEP Helga Stevens. “Today there is, legally speaking, only a minimum check possible of travellers with an EU passport who land at a European airport from outside the Schengen zone: European rules that are too lax, which are now being modified thanks to the N-VA and others. Soon travellers will be subject to a systematic check: an excellent thing for the security of our citizens.”

Specifically, Europe is modifying the Schengen border code, which determines the practical application of checks at European external borders. “This is an exceptionally important addition in the context of the screening of returning Syrian fighters,” explains Helga Stevens. “Indeed, it will now be clear more quickly whether travellers wishing to enter Europe are wanted by the police or the intelligence services, and whether their passport is fake or stolen. Instead of travelling onwards, criminals will be arrested thanks to the new rules. And by so doing we are strengthening our external borders further. What’s more, we are not only thwarting returning Syrian fighters with this measure, we are also blocking EU subjects who want to join terrorist groups outside Europe for example.”