EU considers free travel curbs to fight migration

The announcement follows calls by France and other EU states to keep migrants fleeing turmoil in North Africa from spreading through the EU, and reflects growing divisions in the bloc over how to tackle migration.

Fuelling a row over the matter are demands by Italy that other EU governments should help it to cope with thousands of migrants who have arrived on its shores this year.

Such calls have raised alarm elsewhere in Europe, as politicians fret about appearing too lenient while voters' hostility to newcomers is growing.

EU home affairs chief Cecilia Malmstrom said restoring internal borders to deal with exceptional circumstances could be one way of addressing sudden inflows of immigrants. "It may be necessary ... (when) a part of the external borders comes under heavy unexpected pressure," she said in a statement.

If accepted, the proposal would impose curbs on unlimited travel within the bloc -- seen as one of the major achievements of European integration; Kazinform cites China Daily.

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