Germany's Merz: want to keep Schengen area but cannot be abused

FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gives a statement following his visit to the Operational Command of the German armed forces Bundeswehr in Schwielowsee near Berlin, Germany, June 28, 2025. Michael Kappeler/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany wants to retain the EU's Schengen area which allows free movement but that can only work if it is not abused by criminals who smuggle migrants, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday.

"We naturally want to preserve this Schengen area, but freedom of movement in the Schengen area will only work in the long term if it is not abused by those who promote irregular migration, in particular by smuggling migrants," he said at a news conference with his counterpart from Luxembourg.

(Reporting by Rachel MoreWriting by Madeline ChambersEditing by Miranda Murray)