EU reviews Denmark's border control plan

The European Commission said Friday it was reviewing whether controversial customs controls sought by Denmark respect rules governing Europe's border-free Schengen travel area. "The Danish government assured the commission several times of its intention to put in place measures in line with Schengen and European rules," said the commission's home affairs spokesman, Michele Cercone. Danish authorities submitted on Tuesday documents requested by the commission regarding their plans. "The commission will verify whether these measures are compatible with Schengen," he said. The Danish parliament's finance committee on Friday approved the government plan to introduce permanent custom controls at the country's borders. Under pressure from its far-right ally, Denmark's centre-right government announced on May 10 a plan to re-introduce permanent custom controls at its borders in spite of misgivings by its EU partners.