Euro 2012 had been eagerly awaited by many a football fan and border controls have been suspended again. As the EU debate on the Schengen reforms rages, EPTV went to see how Poland managed the re-introduction of its border controls. The members of Schengen have got used to the lack of border controls. That's why the sight of border guards checking passports seemed odd. Like here in Świecko, a former Polish-German border crossing. I didn't expect borders because we are in the European Union. When I travel to France or to Austria there are no borders. It's understandable that they're more careful during Euro 2012. Introducing border controls is allowed in the case of big events, like Euro 2012. The controls were introduced only for the duration of the event. They are different from the border controls pre-dating Schengen. The controls happen sporadically. They don't happen all day long and are scheduled around upcoming games, depending on who's playing and which supporters are expected. The border controls are a mere safety measure. They protect against elements who could endanger the country or the event. On selected dates, the Schengen buses appear at the former border crossings. They are mobile control centres. Suspect vehicles are spotted and directed to a special lay-by, where the passengers undergo an ID check. The Polish-German Border Cooperation Centre assures the information flow. We coordinate the exchange of personal data and the identification of vehicles. The officials also participate in so-called emergency situations. Additional security measures were also introduced at the airports. We did not have to put in place any specific infrastructure. The border guard sends officers who merely check passports. There is no additional hassle or queuing involved for the passengers. During Euro 2012 it was also made easier to travel between Poland and Ukraine. Border points were connected and waiting times reduced. Poland arranged for the assistance of border guards from other EU countries, as well as from Russia, Ukraine and Croatia, to facilitate the interaction with football fans. Apart from essential issues, direct contact with their own border guards proved helpful to the football fans, whether at the airports, sea ports or land borders. On the occasion of an important event, such as a sports event, Member States can decide to introduce border controls for up to 30 days, and extend them to six months, on the condition that the European Commission is informed in advance. The introduction of border controls is a serious policing operation. It requires staff, equipment, funding, planning, infrastructure, etc. It's not an operation which can be decided by Brussels, by saying that a Member State should introduce border controls. The practical decisions must be made by the Member States because only they have the ability and the resources. According to a Danish agreement EU states will be able to introduce controls when a neighbouring country does not protect its external borders from illegal immigrants. The controls would be suggested by the Commission and the decision approved by the Council. The issue now is that the Parliament was excluded from the decision process. EuroparlTV video ID: 59abbfe0-d26d-4eb3-9d3e-a08c00f8b6ae
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