The arrival of substantial numbers of refugees and migrants in the EU since the summer of 2015 has led to great friction and increasing fragmentation inside the Schengen area. Border controls, fences and walls have been key elements of the public and political debates and have become a reality inside the common free travel area. The lack of coordination between the Schengen partners has been evident. Currently, national and EU leaders aspire to restore the normal functioning of the Schengen area. However, their approaches differ.
The goal of this event was to discuss some of the options on the table and understand their likely impact in the light of the European Commission’s intention to reform the Dublin system. Szabolcs Takács and Marco Peronaci presented Hungary and Italy’s proposals respectively. Comments were provided by Alexandra Gatto from the European Parliamentary Research Service. Ildikó Voller-Szenci made opening remarks on behalf of the Antall József Knowledge Centre and the debate was moderated by Fabian Zuleeg, EPC Chief Executive.