EU keeps close eye on Danish customs controls

(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission said Tuesday it would closely monitor Denmark's controversial deployment of customs agents to ensure it does not violate the European Union's open border rules.

Denmark was scheduled to resume customs controls at the borders with Germany and Sweden on Tuesday after parliament approved the measures last week despite concerns voiced by Brussels and Berlin.

"The commission will strictly monitor the implementation of this first phase to ensure that European law is fully respected," Michele Cercone, the home affairs spokesman for the European Union's executive arm, told a news briefing.

Danish authorities have told the commission that the customs agents would conduct "spot checks based on a risk analysis," Cercone said.

The Danish government has defended the move, saying random border checks are in line with the Schengen passport-free travel area and that the aim is to combat the smuggling of illegal goods and drugs, not control travellers.