The Schengen Zone might be known for its smooth waltzes of passport-free travel, but Central Europe is currently performing a different dance – the somewhat awkward shuffle of extended internal border controls. Czechia, in particular, has just tapped the brakes on open borders with Slovakia, extending its temporary checks until February 2nd. This isn’t just a solo routine; it’s part of a wider choreography across the region, with countries tangoing between security concerns and Schengen’s free-movement aspirations.
It all started back in October when Czechia first introduced these checks, aiming to foxtrot ahead of irregular migration and people smuggling. According to Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, they’ve got rhythm – over 680,000 checks, 1,120 intercepted migrants, and 58 smugglers tangoed out of commission.
Austria, its neighbor, is also keeping the beat going, having recently extended its border checks with Czechia. And like a contagious melody, the rhythm has spread across the continent, with Germany too stepping onto the floor.
So, what’s the music driving this border control ballet? Both Rakusan and his Austrian counterpart, Gerhard Karner, belt out the same tune – security. For Rakusan, it’s about blocking the pirouettes of organized crime gangs who want to smuggle their way in. For Karner, it’s a security duet with national protection, ensuring both a tango with human traffickers and a waltz with potential extremist threats.
However, not everyone’s applauding this security salsa. Critics argue it’s a discordant note in the Schengen symphony, throwing a wrench in the free-movement waltz. They see it as a disruptive breakbeat, creating unnecessary roadblocks and hindering the flow of tourism and trade.
But while the debate over the tempo of these border controls continues, one thing’s clear – the situation on the ground is a complex tango. Balancing security concerns with Schengen’s free-movement aspirations is a tricky maneuver, and finding the right rhythm won’t be a cakewalk.
