The European Parliament adopted by 534 votes to 53, with 25 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republic of Croatia.
Parliament approved, subject to amendments, the Council's plan to abolish internal border controls between the Schengen area of free movement and Croatia.
Parliament called on Croatia to inform it and the Council in writing, by six months following the date of entry into force of this Decision, of follow-up actions undertaken following the action plan in the field of the management of external borders and the implementation of any ongoing actions related thereto, including on the independent mechanism for monitoring the actions of police officers.
After the entry into force of this Decision, the Commission should, in its annual evaluation programme, include either a periodic or a thematic evaluation of Croatia’s application of the Schengen acquis in the field of management of the external borders, including concerns on fundamental rights situation.
In light of reports and allegations of mistreatment and pushbacks of migrants at the borders, this evaluation should include a visit to Croatia, as well as an annual follow up on the re-established independent monitoring mechanism at the external borders. The Commission should make appropriate recommendations for actions aimed at addressing any identified deficiencies and provide clear and regular information about them.