Thursday, Emmanuel Macron announced a doubling of the forces controlling the borders of France, in a context of "intensification of the terrorist threat".

But at the Perthus toll, the gateway to France from Spain, the strengthening of controls is already effective.

REPORTAGE

Traveling this Thursday in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Emmanuel Macron announced a doubling of the security forces controlling the borders of France, "from 2,400 to 4,800", to fight against the terrorist threat, trafficking and illegal immigration .

This doubling was decided "because of the intensification of the threat" after the recent attacks, including that of Nice.

But at the Perthus toll, the gateway to France from Spain on the A9 motorway, the strengthening of border controls is already a reality. 

"We look to see if there are any badly arranged places"

Here, all types of vehicles are checked by CRS: motor homes, vans or trucks from Spain.

With a quick glance, Brigadier-Chief Laurent Grape then inspects the chests and loads.

"We look to see if there are badly arranged places, where everything is not structured", he indicates to the microphone of Europe 1. "Because the interest of the driver is to fit a maximum of material in its transport. Suddenly, when you see inconsistencies in the alignments, you know very well that someone has entered in force and to clear everything. "

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"Other CRS units are already planned"

The company from Toulon with 70 men must stay here for two weeks before being taken over by Commander David Lafosse.

Objective stated: to ensure a continuous presence at the border.

"The CRS will be present 24 hours a day," he warns.

And the mission should last over time, since "other CRS units are already planned". 

In addition to CRS 59, a unit of mobile gendarmes and reservists from the gendarmerie will be mobilized in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales.

In total, therefore, 150 additional men should come to swell the ranks of the units on the spot.

Macron calls for an in-depth overhaul of the Schengen rules

These reinforcements reflect on the ground the desire displayed this Thursday by Emmanuel Macron for an "in-depth" overhaul of the rules governing the Schengen area of ​​free movement in Europe.

"I call for a refounding of Schengen and greater control", he added, specifying that he would bring "in this direction the first proposals to the European Council" in December.