European countries are having to take unprecedented measures to deal with an unprecedented crisis. This is necessary to save lives. At the same time, they must also embrace mutual trust and cooperation to safeguard Schengen for the future, PES home affairs ministers concluded today as they met by videoconference.

PES home affairs ministers were joined by MEPs and European Commissioner Ylva Johansson to exchange on migration, the Schengen Area and EUROPOL.

Spanish Minister of the Interior and ministerial Chair, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, said:

“We understand that Member States are taking measures against COVID-19. Keeping everyone safe must be our number one priority and we must contain the spread of the virus together. These restrictive measures should only be temporary and limited in scope, while taking into consideration the reality of many European citizens. It is fundamental to safeguard the functioning of the Schengen area because it is one of the most significant European accomplishments and we must be ready to protect it and restore its integrity as soon as possible.”

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