Thread by @jonworth

These pieces about how #Coronavirus has wrecked a borderless Europe annoy me - especially when they quote Macron about opening again. France has been the biggest hypocrite on #Schengen since 2015, with DE close behind during the refugee crisis!

theguardian.com/world/commenti…

Also the basic issue is this: does restriction on the movement of people make sense during #Coronavirus - yes, it does. Because it can stop transmission. The problem is closing borders is about the only mechanism states have, not least because 2015 broke that taboo.

Germany has suffered this a bit less perhaps, as with 16 Länder local restrictions for health reasons are easier to do. But elsewhere in Europe that's not so much of an issue.

The issue is basically this: for all sorts of challenges (health, terrorism, even migration if you're a right-winger), there will be restrictions on movement in the future.

The question is *how* to do this, based on what criteria, not *if* this will happen.

The EU needs to find ways to do it appropriately, proportionately, and respecting freedom of movement and citizens rights.

It must not - as it has been to date - that the transport modes used by the poor (buses, trains) are policed while cars and planes aren't controlled.

It must not be - as it has been to date - that anyone who looks different is more likely to be controlled.

It must not be placebo controls - to reassure the population that *something is being done* - while then messing up people's everyday lives.

Just as Schengen would not work without the Schengen Information System for data exchange on criminal activity, so you might argue, so it cannot work without a similar system for health emergencies. That's where the EU should focus its efforts.

/ends