Nicolas Schmit: The discussion is [being driven] by euro sceptical forces, populist parties. That's the case obviously in Denmark, where the government is depending on the Danish People's Party. But also in France, Schengen is very often quoted by Madame Le Pen as the biggest threat to the security of people and as the source of illegal immigration.
Aaron Grunwald: Do the populist parties have a point though?
Nicolas Schmit: I do not contest that we have real problems on our external borders, that we have to cooperate more on our external borders, that we have immigration pressure now because we had these changes in the Mediterranean - which are positive changes. The Tunisians and Egyptians got rid of their old corrupt dictators. I hope the Libyans will follow this example, as will the Syrians. And the response [in Europe] to this positive evolution is... panic.
Aaron Grunwald: What is Luxembourg's position?
Nicolas Schmit: We have to be vigilant in the coming months that the Schengen acquis will not be put into question. I'm a bit scared, or at least worried, by some ideas that are put forward, when I hear that, "we would make it easier to reestablish border controls." No, we should not make it easier! I want to have the [current European] Community rules applied... and not the big countries alone deciding what they want to do. It has to be balanced, Community-based and not something taken out of that framework.
Aaron Grunwald: What do you propose?
Nicolas Schmit: There has to be solidarity. We have to reinforce [Europe's common border agency] Frontex... with more means, with a broader scope of action, especially when our external borders are confronted with special pressures.
Aaron Grunwald: If a neighbouring country reintroduced border controls, what action would Luxembourg's government take?
Nicolas Schmit: We certainly would ask for the reasons. And there'd have to be reasons: a real security problem, a public order problem. There'd have to be good arguments for doing it. By all means it should be temporary, it cannot be indefinite.
Aaron Grunwald: If you were not satisfied?
Nicolas Schmit: We would ask the [European] Commission to take its responsibilities, including going to court.