Foreign Affairs Minister Lajčák: Schengen has fallen apart

Slovakia wants the European Union to discuss the migration issue openly, honestly and comprehensively, reads the stance of the Government. According to it, the debate at the moment is focused solely on one aspect - migrant redistribution quotas. Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák pointed out that one of the EU's fundamental pillars - the free movement of people - is shaking at its foundations. The Government doesn't only want to discuss what to do with the migrants who are already in Europe, but also to look at how they are coming here. "De facto, Schengen has fallen apart. Migrants are transiting absolutely freely through countries that are responsible for protecting the Schengen borders. Under normal circumstances it's difficult to get a Schengen visa, but now tens of thousands of people are coming here without any checks. So, do we have Schengen or don't we?" asked Lajčák. The Government, therefore, proposes not only consistent protection of Schengen borders but also efforts to address the causes of migration and human smuggling gangs. "I refuse to see Slovakia as a country without solidarity", stressed Lajčák adding that Slovakia wants a common European policy on this issue because there's no such thing at the moment. The Government insists on a voluntary principle. "Quotas have nothing to do with addressing the problem", said Lajčák.