Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark (Duree maximale du controle aux frontières interieures) ( Area of freedom, security and justice - Schengen Borders Code - Opinion) [2021] EUECJ C-368/20_O (06 October 2021)

Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark (Duree maximale du controle aux frontières interieures) ( Area of freedom, security and justice - Schengen Borders Code - Opinion) [2021] EUECJ C-368/20_O (06 October 2021)

Article 25(1) and (4) of the Schengen Borders Code do not preclude, in principle, successive applications for reintroduction of internal border controls beyond six months if a Member State continues to face a serious threat to public policy or internal security, provided all criteria, especially proportionality, are strictly met. Where the threat is essentially similar to the previous one, the Member State must demonstrate enhanced proportionality and necessity. Checks at internal borders consistent with the Schengen Borders Code do not violate the right to free movement under Article 21(1) TFEU or Article 45(1) of the Charter.

Citation
[2021] EUECJ C-368/20_O
Parties
Applicant: NW; Respondent: Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark; Respondent: Bezirkshauptmannschaft Leibnitz
Jurisdiction
European Union
Judgment Date
06 October 2021
Procedural Posture
Preliminary Ruling (joined Cases C 368/20 and C 369/20) / Opinion of Advocate General
Outcome
Opinion proposes that Article 25(1) and (4) Schengen Borders Code allow fresh successive application for internal border controls in cases of persistent threats, subject to strict proportionality; checks consistent with the Code do not breach free movement rights.
Legal Topics
Schengen Borders Code, Internal Border Controls, Free Movement of Persons, Proportionality, Public Policy, Internal Security
European Union Law Administrative Law Constitutional Law Schengen Borders Code Internal Border Controls Free Movement of Persons Proportionality Public Policy +1 more

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Parties

NW

Applicant

Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark

Respondent

Bezirkshauptmannschaft Leibnitz

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Preliminary Ruling (joined Cases C 368/20 and C 369/20) / Opinion of Advocate General

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code precludes successive reintroduction of internal border controls beyond six months for persistent threats
  2. 2 Whether the right to free movement under Article 21(1) TFEU and Article 45(1) of the Charter includes a right not to be subject to checks at internal borders, and if so, whether such checks are precluded by EU law

Ratio Decidendi

Article 25(1) and (4) of the Schengen Borders Code do not preclude, in principle, successive applications for reintroduction of internal border controls beyond six months if a Member State continues to face a serious threat to public policy or internal security, provided all criteria, especially proportionality, are strictly met. Where the threat is essentially similar to the previous one, the Member State must demonstrate enhanced proportionality and necessity. Checks at internal borders consistent with the Schengen Borders Code do not violate the right to free movement under Article 21(1) TFEU or Article 45(1) of the Charter.

Court Disposition

Opinion proposes that Article 25(1) and (4) Schengen Borders Code allow fresh successive application for internal border controls in cases of persistent threats, subject to strict proportionality; checks consistent with the Code do not breach free movement rights.