Abstract
Since the introduction of free movement as an economic and fundamental right for EU citizens, the European Union has established a long list of measures, directives and other attempts to provide an open but safe area within the borders of the Union. The European security management has been developed through Schengen co-operation and legal acts, such as the Amsterdam Treaty. Border control has also undergone an immense process of change, starting from nationally focused systems with the sovereignty of each state to operational cooperation at the external borders. National border security systems are being complemented by a set of effective tools to manage potential security risks at the external borders. The Schengen Information System was set up as one of the most important compensatory measures to make up for the abolition of the internal border controls. The right of free movement is a fundamental and personal right for each citizen of the European Union, secured by article 18 TEC. However, this right might be restricted by Member States on grounds of public policy, public security and public health. Risks and resources have to be balanced, so that the right amount of protection can be ensured for Member States without under-protecting, but also without over-protecting.
