European leaders talk about reform of Schengen area
22:27
Following the attacks in France and Austria, the European Union must consider reforming the open border system, the four European leaders and heads of major EU institutions agreed. Leaders discussed on Tuesday the steps that the Community should take in the fight against terrorism. French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz met during the conference in Paris. Apart from Merkel, the meeting was also attended via internet connection by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
"Given the recent terrorist attacks, Europe urgently needs to reform its open border system within the Schengen area. It is absolutely essential to know who is coming and who is leaving the Schengen area," Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, said.
Macron called for a coordinated and immediate response of the Schengen countries to the threat of terrorism.
"We want our borders to remain open, but we need to better protect them," he explained.
The French president also highlighted the abuse of the right to asylum by many European countries, creating an opportunity for human traffickers and people from countries not plagued by war. He proposed that European countries create common databases, exchange information, and strengthen penal policies.
The French president intends to present Paris' preliminary proposals for the Schengen reform at the European Council summit on December 10. Macron's goal is to complete activities in this regard during the French presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2022.
