Following a pre-scheduled assessment visit to Denmark, the European Commission team led by Belinda Pyke, has asked for justification from the Danish tax and customs authorities for imposing strict border controls and spot checks on vehicles coming into the country.
In the two-day visit, the European Commission had put Denmark under a “strict monitoring system” with the aim to avert every single possibility of violation of Schengen Agreement and free movement of people and goods within the EU member countries by Denmark.
The team sent on July 14, visited two border crossings: the Øresund Bridge crossing between Copenhagen and Malmö, Sweden, and the border crossing to Germany at Frøslev.
While addressing the media following the visit, Pyke said: “We chose to come on a day that suited the authorities. We understand that they have a control system that isn’t publicized, and we don’t want to make these kinds of checks artificially”.
However, Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for home affairs, sought more answers from the Danish side for intensifying controls at the internal borders.
Unsatisfied with the risk assessment, the EU expects to have constructive dialogues with the Danish authorities to ensure a strict monitoring system based on transparent communication from the Danish authorities.