• Denmark failing to prove need for border controls: EU

COPENHAGEN, July 20, 2011 (AFP) - A Danish minister on Wednesday challenged the European Commission to take legal action against Denmark over its introduction of permanent customs controls at its borders.

"Take us to court," Denmark's minister for customs and taxation, Peter Christensen, said on TV2 News Wednesday.

"In a court case you have to be concrete and precise in areas where we are breaking the rules, because there are other countries that have the same (practices) as us."

He was speaking after EU home affairs commissioner Cecilia Malmström on Monday warned that Denmark had failed to justify a controversial decision to increase its controls.

Commission experts visited Denmark last week to discuss the new measures with the Danish authorities, visiting the country's borders with Sweden and Germany, which are also part of the Schengen passport-free travel zone.

"Unfortunately, the mission did not enable us to get adequate answers to our questions," Malmstroem said.

"There are persistent concerns about the compatibility of Denmark's strengthened internal control measures with the freedoms provided under the EU Treaty including the Schengen acquis," she said.

But Christensen retorted Wednesday: "The Commission does not need to know our arguments.

"They only have to see if we are breaking the rules."

But while Christensen said Danish officials had not received a letter containing supplementary questions from the EU, sources inside the tax ministry told AFP a letter had in fact been received.

They would not however disclose its contents.

Denmark deployed 50 new customs officers at its borders with Germany and Sweden on July 5.

The governing liberal-conservative coalition introduced the measure under pressure from the eurosceptic, far-right Danish People's Party which, although not part of the government, offers it crucial support in the house.

But Denmark's neighbours, especially Germany but also the European Union, have criticised the move.

Denmark argues random border checks are in line with the Schengen agreement. They say their aim is to combat the smuggling of illegal goods and drugs, not to control travellers.

The Danish plan is to be introduced in three phases, the final phase being a permanent customs presence at its borders with Germany and Sweden. That is due to be introduced in 2014, once the facilities have been built.