It is now clear that Denmark is planning to tighten border controls with Germany and Sweden. This is because the Danish government has agreed with the Danish People's Party to introduce border control with its neighbours. The proposal appears to have parliamentary backing from the Social Democrats.

In a statement, Hans Wallmark, MP (M) from Skåne and member of the Citizen's Rights Committee of the Nordic Council, says:

"This is a very unacceptable development. While others are struggling for greater freedom of movement across our borders they are building walls in Denmark. I have previously posed a question to the Danish government about whether it intends to ensure continued compliance with the Nordic Passport Union and am awaiting a reply. It is not yet clear what the tighter controls would mean in regard to Sweden, but it is still alarming that Denmark is taking an initiative which goes in a completely different direction than everything that the Nordic Council and the European Union stand for.

"Denmark argues that this has to do with fighting crime. How is it then that Denmark interprets threats based on the ideas behind the Schengen agreement in a radically different way than its neighbours, Germany and Sweden? The idea of ​​free movement in the Nordic countries and the EU is fundamental for co-operation. Unfortunately, it can be said that a country worthy of so much respect in other contexts, now wishes to contribute to bringing this down.

Further information: Hans Wallmark, MP (M), 070-695 41 00