Border Disparity: France’s Lockdown vs. Britain’s Open Borders

France is maintaining strict internal border controls within the Schengen Area, citing security threats and organized smuggling networks, even as the United Kingdom continues to fund French border operations with £660 million. Despite the introduction of the digital Entry/Exit System (EES) intended to streamline security, the French government has opted to keep physical checkpoints active along its land, air, and sea borders with neighboring nations.

French Border Policy and Schengen Enforcement

France has formally reinstated controls at its internal Schengen borders, a measure currently scheduled to run from May 1 to October 31. According to French officials, these restrictions cover borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. The move is designed to combat illegal migration and the activities of migrant-smuggling networks.

The Conseil d’Etat, a French government body, defended the decision by highlighting significant threats to public order and internal security. The body stated that the reinstatement of checks is warranted by risks related to terrorism and criminal smuggling operations. Under Schengen regulations, both “terrorism” and “major organised crime” are recognised as legitimate grounds for the temporary reintroduction of border controls.

Comparison: Enforcement at Italian and Spanish Frontiers

While the UK faces ongoing challenges with small boat arrivals, France has adopted a strategy of heavy enforcement at its own southern frontiers. Bruno Retailleau previously confirmed that the border with Italy was “locked down” through the deployment of border police, gendarmes, customs officers, and soldiers under Operation Sentinelle.

The enforcement strategy includes:

• Joint Patrols: Authorities conduct joint operations with Italian counterparts.
• Rail Interception: Train crossings through the Alps are frequently halted in rural areas to identify and seize individuals attempting to enter France illegally.
• Formal Readmission: France utilises established procedures to return migrants intercepted at the Spanish and Italian borders.

The Interior Ministry said 66 per cent of French readmission requests at the Spanish border were accepted, with the same arrangement in place at the Italian border.

The Impact of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Commission has pressured France to phase out internal Schengen border checks, arguing that the new digital EES is meant to “handle security”. However, Paris has resisted this transition. By keeping physical checks in place, France has prioritized direct, manual oversight over the automated digital system favored by the Commission.

This approach highlights a distinction in how different jurisdictions manage migration flows. For the UK, returning migrants to France is complicated by the fact that such a move constitutes an international export into a “third country.” Inside the EU, readmission deals are facilitated by the bloc’s internal legal framework, making the process significantly more straightforward than the current UK-France arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has France reintroduced internal Schengen borders?

The French government cites major threats to public order, specifically the risks of terrorism and the operations of criminal smuggling networks facilitating illegal migration.

How long will the current French border controls last?

The current measures are scheduled to remain in effect from May 1 to October 31.

Does France return intercepted migrants to neighboring countries?

Yes. France uses formal readmission procedures with Italy and Spain for migrants intercepted at those borders, with a 66 per cent acceptance rate for requests at the Spanish frontier.

What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of current cross-border security measures? Join the conversation in the comments section below.