France will extend its internal border controls until April 30, 2025, in response to heightened terrorist threats and concerns over irregular migration. This decision, notified to the European Commission, postpones the previously scheduled end date of October 31, 2024, for border controls with neighboring Schengen countries, including Belgium, Spain, and Germany. The move reflects ongoing issues related to public safety, criminal networks, and the potential for radicalized individuals among migrant flows.

The extension of border controls is driven by increasing irregular crossings in the Channel and North Sea, along with rising violence among migrant communities in northern regions like Dunkirk and Calais. France has maintained similar border measures for nearly a decade, initially introduced after the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. Since then, the government has reported nearly 20 extensions of these controls, often citing security concerns, particularly in light of upcoming events like the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to the Schengen Borders Code, EU Member States can impose temporary border controls under exceptional circumstances, though these measures should generally not exceed six months. France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has emphasized the need for stricter border management, citing public demand for greater order and concerns over overwhelming migratory flows. His statements align with broader migration challenges faced across Europe, as other countries also reinforce border controls in response to ongoing pressures.