Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has criticised French President François Hollande’s continued defence of the Schengen Agreement. Speaking before MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday, President Hollande refused to accept that current events have exposed Schengen’s flaws.
After the debate, Mr Nicholson said:
“Listening as I did today to President Hollande defend the Schengen arrangement, made it abundantly clear that some in Europe do not listen, even when the evidence of failure is staring them in the face.
“The current refugee and migrant crisis has exposed a number of the flaws in the Schengen agreement. When under pressure, Europe’s borders are not strong enough for our present needs.
“Propping up failed border arrangements, I fear, allows smugglers and people traffickers to capitalise on the weaknesses to their own bitter end.
“At a time of growing consensus for European reform, and in the context of Mr Cameron’s renegotiations, it seems to be that President Hollande cannot see the problems before his very eyes.”