The invasion of Covid-19 put Europe without a passport on hold. Will it be possible to revive the Schengen area, which was undermined in 2015 and 2016, during the migration crisis? " Yes ", says the Brussels Commission. "Doubtful", observes, however, a diplomatic source, emphasizing the side "Totally chaotic" of the current situation. The “deconfinement” of borders is already a formidable puzzle, as the implementation of health controls and restrictions on passage was improvised when Europe became aware that it was becoming the epicenter of the pandemic .
The fate of these measures, which are in principle temporary, should be discussed at a forthcoming European summit, alongside heavy negotiations on the economic response to the crisis. Paris would like to see the adoption of a series of principles, such as the non-closing of borders, and a better exchange of information between capitals. But the Elysee says it is aware that"It will not be possible to move towards perfect harmonization between the member states, due to the different cycles of the pandemic on their territory".
The question of borders and deconfinement is debated at the highest level between Paris and Berlin. French and German health ministers, Olivier Véran and Jens Spahn, are trying to coordinate, while the Elysee and the Chancellery were to do the same, Friday, April 10. Beyond the health and economic issues, the subject is highly sensitive: in the Saarland, French people have been accused of spreading the virus after the German Robert-Koch health institute described the Grand-Est region as "High risk area". Saar Economy Minister Anke Rehlinger presented her "Apologies", Wednesday, on Twitter, at these "French people who have been insulted or to whom eggs have been thrown".
Strong resistance in the border Länder
The German example is significant. On March 11, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “In Germany, we believe that closures are not the answer. " Five days later, however, the country decided to close its links with France, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria almost completely, limiting entry from these countries to frontier workers and freight traffic. The authorities could now do the same with four other countries, even if this policy is met with strong resistance in the border Länder.
