The EU has allowed 5 states in Schengen to continue the checks for illegal migrants along their internal land frontiers until February 2017. The final decision was adopted by the governments of the member-states after a proposal by the European Commission. Despite the fact that the so-called Balkan route from Greece through Macedonia and Serbia towards Western Europe has been closed for months and the influx of illegal migrants has stopped, Brussels decided that there is still risk for wealthier countries which are the final destination of migrants. These are Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. According to the rules for the free movement of people in the Schengen area, their police do not have the right to stop travelers for checks at internal borders except under extraordinary circumstances. According to the European Commission, such circumstances still exist. This is why its proposal was approved by representatives of member-states and enters into force on Saturday.