Explainers

The EU and its member states have taken a number of measures to address the migration situation on the Western Mediterranean and Western African routes.

The sharing of passenger data is useful in preventing, detecting and prosecuting terrorist offences and serious crime. The passenger name record directive aims to regulate the transfer of such basic data from the airlines to national authorities, while the advance passenger information regulations sets rules for the collection and transfer of more personal data to national authorities.

The EU has adopted various rules to manage legal migration flows, process asylum requests and return people staying illegally in the EU.

The EU and its member states are working on concrete measures to safeguard Europe's security and reinforce the EU's external borders.

The EU has established a common visa policy for travelers transiting through or intending to stay for a short period in the Schengen area.

Which countries can issue Schengen visas? Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

What is the EU blue card? Who is eligible? What are the rights of the blue card holders?

What are the border checks for travellers entering in and leaving the Schengen area? Discover it in our infographic.