Ten EU countries introduce hardline border controls
Ten European Union countries have introduced hardline border controls in response to a spiraling migrant crisis, sparking debate over the future of the EU.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Ten European Union countries have introduced hardline border controls in response to a spiralling migrant crisis, according to reports. The measures affect the Schengen area, which normally allows passport-free travel. France, Spain, Germany and Italy are among the countries imposing stricter checks.
The move follows a period of intense pressure on the bloc's external borders. In a single recent incident, more than 70,000 people were reported to have entered EU territory illegally. Over the past decade, the continent has seen large-scale migration, with 1.3 million arrivals in one year alone. Germany's decision under Angela Merkel to admit one million Syrians was a landmark moment.
Governments have cited a range of concerns, including terrorism, gang crime, rising asylum claims and anti-Semitism. Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has also granted an amnesty to half a million illegal immigrants, a decision that has proved controversial.
The new border controls mark a significant shift for the EU, which was built on the principle of free movement. Some observers have described the situation as the 'strange death of Europe', a phrase used by author Douglas Murray. The bloc now faces what has been called the rise of the right, as public opinion turns against open borders.
The full list of countries imposing controls has not been confirmed, but the ten nations are understood to include several of the EU's largest members. The long-term future of the Schengen system is now in question.
On screen
Stills are sampled automatically at 60-second intervals. Where shown, the still is the nearest available frame from the relevant broadcast segment and is included to show what was on screen during that part of the broadcast. A still may not correspond to the exact second of a quoted phrase.
Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | GB News |
|---|---|
| Over 70,000 illegal immigrants entered European territory in a single incident. | |
| Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez granted an amnesty to half a million illegal immigrants. | |
| Ten Schengen area countries introduced strict border controls, including France, Spain, Germany and Italy. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
GB News framed the story as evidence of the EU's failure and the 'strange death of Europe'. It linked migration to terrorism and crime, criticised EU leaders for capitulation, and highlighted the rise of right-wing politics. The tone was emotive and alarmist, using phrases like 'suicidal empathy' and 'petulant' to describe European leaders.
- “Europe a continent in crisis, but that's fateful day just a couple of weeks ago when over 70,000 illegal immigrants broke into European territory could could well mark one of the most significant moments in modern European history”
- “The European Union is now shutting down its borders as you can see on your screen there ten ten Schengen area countries have introduced strict border controls”
- “Europe now faces what has been called the rise of the right”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.