Internal borders, Schengen agreement strives to get off the groundSchengen strives to get off the group and European citizens encounter numerous obstacles to free circulation, as underlined in the EU Commission Report on the application of the Schengen Border Code released October 13. The Commission points to “difficulties linked to alleged regular and systematic checks in certain internal border zones; maintenance of obstacles to fluid traffic flow at road crossing-points at internal borders; and delays in the notification of planned reintroduction of internal borders controls” in situations of emergency. The Schengen agreement (created in 1985, involving 25 States) means that “individuals, irrespective of their nationality, can cross internal borders at any point without being subject to border check”. However, checks on people under the exercise of police powers by the competent authorities of the Member States are allowed throughout the territory, including in border areas, insofar as the exercise of those powers does not have an effect which is the equivalent of border checks”. “An area without internal borders where people can move freely is one of the greatest achievements of European cooperation, and something that really benefits the citizens. It is therefore regrettable this is not respected everywhere, which this report shows, said EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström Cecilia Malmström. In response to this situation, the Commission “is assessing complaints and addressing Member States to obtain explanations”. If the explanations are not satisfactory, the Commission “will use all available means to ensure the correct application of Union law”.Commission: “Too many deaths on European roads”Improving vehicle safety, the safety of infrastructure and road users’ behaviour are among the initiatives set out by the Commission to improve road safety. The Third European Road Safety Day of 13 October presented to a large audience the strategic guidelines on European road safety policy for the period 2011-20, as adopted by the Commission past July. “In 2009 more than 35 000 people died on the EU’s roads, over a third less than in 2001. But road safety remains a major problem for society”, states the Commission in a press release. “Speeding, drink driving, failure to wear a seatbelt are still considered the three main killers on the road. But poor road maintenance and low vehicle safety also pose serious risks”. The Road Safety Programme focuses on the following points: strengthening education and training for road users; improved safety measures for vehicles; compliance with safety requirements; stepping up maintenance of urban and rural roads, where most accidents occur”. “Tens of thousands die on our roads each year, incomparably more are injured”, said Siim Kallas, Commission Vice-President in charge of transport. “We must also be aware of vulnerable categories of road users – such as motorcyclists, whose increasing death rate on our roads remains worrying”. The figures released by the Executive show that the number of road deaths “has fallen considerably throughout the EU by 44%”. Some countries have made even more progress, such as Latvia, Portugal, Estonia, Lithuania, Spain and France. Internet in the EU, for many but not for all”43% of EU households still do not have Internet access”: these are the findings of a Eurobarometer survey which questioned 27,000 households throughout the EU on their use of internet, telephones and TV. Survey reveals that more Europeans are on-line, and are subscribing to broadband connection (one of the main targets of the EU digital Agenda) “with 35% now using social networking websites”. However, interviewees have concerns about cost, quality of service and security, as well as online freedom”. According to Eurobarometer, such high percentages of households without internet access is due to economic reasons. “Almost one in five households surveyed mentioned the high costs associated with the Internet being the reason for having no Internet connection at home”. Enhancing competition “to get the prices down, an important objective of the Digital Agenda, would therefore be likely to encourage more people to get an Internet connection”, viewed as a useful formation, information and economic development tool.
