By Loreline Merelle
Should the Schengen code rules be changed or relaxed? The question has come up as several countries, including France and Germany, push for action to combat home-grown terrorism in the wake of the Paris attacks.
The Schengen code, which regulates controls at Europe's borders, already authorises random surveillance of persons identified as suspect. But the system still shows weaknesses. "There is broad agreement on enhancing its flexibility," says a source at the Commission.
But does that mean…
Schengen Information System (SIS) more thorough
In two weeks, European police forces will be required to complete more systematically and in greater detail their European SIS records that allow the identification of suspect individuals. This is one of the European measures coming in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack. The system of computerised files containing data on an individual's identity and biometric data is not receiving sufficient input from member states, a situation denounced by the Commission and certain MEPs. Former Justice Minister Rachida Dati (EPP, France) highlights the need to "bring up to full speed the functioning of intelligence services and improve the Schengen Information System (SIS)". She also points out that "information on an individual's police record is often lacking and some files are not up to date". Is this due to a lack of resources or a lack of will? Intelligence is a national prerogative and the states are reluctant to share their information. But some allege that the system also lacks a "legal framework" and that the number of information items to be completed has risen steadily since its creation and revision in 2013.The EU counter-terrorism agenda is available here.
