The global COVID-19 pandemic and the rules of Schengen border control

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe in March 2020 on the Schengen border control rules for the countries party to the agreement, in particular Hungary. The study aims to show how the reintroduction of Schengen border controls at internal borders has become increasingly common as a means of protecting against a serious threat to public policy or internal security.Methodology: In preparing this article, I reviewed national and EU legislation to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, and analysed statistical data on border movements and irregular migration.Findings: The reintroduction of border controls at the Schengen internal borders is increasingly used by Member States to counter threats to internal security. The reintroduction of border controls at internal borders seemed to be an obvious solution for several Member States to stop the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Restrictive measures have also contributed to reducing the volume of irregular migration and flattening the epidemic curve, but it is also necessary to restore freedom of movement.Value: This article analyses the measures taken by Member States during the first two waves of the COVID-19 epidemic to prevent the spread of the epidemic. The measures taken during subsequent waves and their impact on the development of irregular migration are a possible topic for future research.