Final answer:
The absence of internal borders in the EU allows for easier movement of criminals and terrorists, posing significant security challenges by making it difficult to control crime, manage borders, and prevent illegal immigration.Efficient border management becomes harder, and balancing the benefits of free movement with security risks is a major concern for EU states.(option a)
Step-by-step explanation:
The free movement and the absence of internal borders within the European Union (EU) pose significant challenges to security because it makes it easier for criminals to escape justice and engage in cross-border crime (Option A).
Criminals can move from one country to another without going through border checks, which complicates the tracking and apprehension efforts by law enforcement. Meanwhile, terrorists can exploit these open borders to enter and move around the EU with relative ease, which raises concerns about terrorism and security.
Efficient border management policies are crucial in addressing challenges like irregular migration and organized crime, whereas the lack of internal borders can undermine such efforts.
Additionally, the Schengen Area within the EU allows citizens and non-citizens alike to travel freely across most EU countries with minimal checks, which further complicates security and immigration management.
This system was put in place to facilitate travel and economic activity, but it also presents challenges in terms of controlling illegal immigration and maintaining security. As much as it enables economic and social integration, the free movement within this space requires EU member states to find a balance between the benefits and the potential risks to their national security.