#Schengen Transport Union backs Commission’s economic warning on Schengen threat

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) firmly agrees with Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, Pierre Moscovici’s comments today highlighting the possible risk to economic growth posed by the reintroduction of border controls within the Schengen area.

Responding to press questions following the presentation of the European Economic Forecast Winter 2016 and statements within the full report, the Commissioner pointed out that border controls could reduce economic growth and impact eurozone budget deficits at a time when Europe’s economic recovery is still fragile.

Michael Nielsen, who leads IRU’s work in the EU said, "We have been warning for some time of the dangers to inter-EU trade. We welcome the Commissioner highlighting this systemic threat to Europe’s economic wellbeing. It is for the IRU vital that Member States ensure not only the free flow of goods within the internal market, but also that they provide the necessary security for transport operations."

Nielsen concluded, "With the French government’s planning agency estimating that the reintroduction of permanent border controls could cost the EU 110€ billion per year it is clear that urgent action is required to maintain free and secure movement of goods and passengers within Europe’s borders."

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