PRAGUE – Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has called for the immediate restriction of the Schengen regime with respect to Spain. He was responding to the Spanish government's decision to allow the legalization of residence for a large number of illegal migrants. According to the Prime Minister, this step is in direct contradiction with the European Union's efforts to tighten migration rules and strengthen the protection of external borders.
Babiš described Madrid's approach as "absolutely scandalous" and stated that it is unacceptable for a European Union member state to pursue a migration policy based on the retroactive legalization of illegal residence, particularly at a time when European institutions and the majority of member states are working to curb illegal migration and implement a more rigorous return policy.
The Prime Minister criticized in particular the decision of Spain's left-wing government, which allowed migrants who had been living in Spain long-term prior to January 1 of this year to obtain legal residence. The conditions required were proof of continuous residence and a clean criminal record. Applications could be submitted until the end of June, and according to available data, nearly 1.2 million people took advantage of this opportunity.
According to Babiš, a legalization of this scale could set a dangerous precedent for other member states. He warned that such measures could increase the attractiveness of the European Union for further waves of migration and undermine public confidence in the common European migration policy.
The Prime Minister therefore proposed that the European Union consider restricting the benefits of the Schengen area for states that, in his view, act in contradiction with the commonly agreed rules. Such a step should, according to him, send a clear signal that unilateral decisions with an impact on the entire Schengen area cannot go unanswered.
Migration has long been one of the most debated topics in European politics. While some states advocate stricter border protection, faster returns of unsuccessful asylum seekers, and curbs on illegal migration, other countries are seeking ways to integrate individuals who have been residing on their territory for an extended period.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's proposal will likely spark further debate among member states about the future of the Schengen area and the extent to which individual governments can independently decide on migration policy without affecting the security and functioning of the European Union as a whole. The dispute also highlights the persistent differences in perspective among European countries regarding the resolution of migration issues and the future shape of a common asylum policy.
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