LOC21:22
18:22 GMT
BRUSSELS, June 4 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee Thursday expressed concern about the current situation of internal borders controls in the passport-free Schengen travel area and their impact on people and businesses.
In a resolution adopted today by 53 votes in favour, six against and six abstentions, the committee stressed that a swift and coordinated return to a fully functional Schengen area is of utmost importance to safeguard freedom of movement.
Civil Liberties Committee Chair Juan Fernando Aguilar said "I strongly deplore any unilateral or disproportionate measures by individual Member States to impose border restrictions upon other Member States without communication or a clear and limited timeframe."
"All actions meant to restore a fully operational Schengen area must be coordinated at EU level and fully respect the principle of non-discrimination", he said.
The resolution also calls on EU member states to increase their efforts in Schengen integration and take the necessary steps to admit Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia into Schengen.
Except for these three EU countries, and Cyprus and Ireland, all other 22 EU countries are part of the Schengen area. Of non-EU states, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined Schengen.
The full European Parliament is expected to vote on the resolution in its session taking place 17-19 June in Brussels. (end)
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