Schulz on progress on Schengen package: "Free movement must be defended and strengthened" - Main contents

After almost a year of tough negotiations with the Council, the plenary is set to vote next week on a compromise with the Irish Presidency on reforming the management of the EU's area with internal borders (the "Schengen area").

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz i made the following statement on the proposed agreement:

"The right to free movement of our citizens is fundamental to our Union. Rather than weakening this right, as some had wanted, our negotiators argue that the Schengen area will come out strengthened, making a first step towards the Community method, with greater transparency, and with stronger safeguards against populist abuse.

Whilst the European Parliament would have wished to go much further, our negotiators still strongly believe that it is a positive outcome which improves on the status quo. I would like to pay tribute to the key rapporteurs, Carlos Coelho i and Renate Weber i, to the Irish Presidency and to Commissioner Malmström i."

Note to editors:

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs is set to vote on the deal on Monday 10 June. In case of a positive vote, the package will then be put to the plenary during the same week.