The Schengen Agreement was signed in Luxembourg in 1985.The Schengen area now includes 25 EU countries and four non-EU countries. Its main principle is free movement But it now faces challenges.
Luxembourg Interior Minister Leon Gloden criticized the reintroduction of border controls at a meeting of EU interior ministers on 12 December.
This is not acceptable for Luxembourg, he said. Schengen is one of the EU’s greatest achievements. We cannot allow boundaries to be re-established in people’s minds.
In 2024, internal border controls reached the highest level since the establishment of Schengen. Germany now applies controls at all of its borders, which were previously limited to the southern border with Austria.
This border has been controlled by Germany since 2015. France has introduced limited border controls since the 2015 terrorist attacks, and has recently tightened them.
Recently, the Netherlands began to control its border with Germany-Belgium. In addition, on december 9, the EU decided to admit Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members. But the European commission has repeatedly insisted that internal border controls should be a last resort. However, some countries have extended these restrictions for up to ten years.
German Interior Minister Nancy Fesser argued in favor of continued controls that the reason is the high number of immigrants. As long as the number of immigrants in Germany is this high, the controls will continue, he said.
He added that the Schengen area is critically important for Germany, but also requires an equal distribution of refugees.
The new EU Home Affairs and Migration Commissioner, Austria’s Magnus Bruner, acknowledged the problems.He said, we need to improve the security of the european region. But he also insisted that the Schengen legal framework be adhered to.
As schengen prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025,the dream of a borderless Europe faces major challenges. It remains uncertain whether these tensions will be resolved, calling into question one of the EU’s most valuable achievements.
Source: Deutsche welle
MSM
How could the continued enforcement of internal border checks affect the future of the Schengen Agreement?
Interview wiht Migration Expert: The Future of Schengen Amid Rising Challenges
Time.news editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the state of the Schengen Agreement. As we celebrate its upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025, it seems to be facing unprecedented challenges. Can you provide an overview of the current situation regarding internal border controls within the Schengen area?
expert: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the Schengen Area, which includes 25 EU countries and four non-EU countries, was founded on the principle of free movement. However, as of 2024, we’ve observed the highest level of internal border controls since its inception. As an example, Germany now implements border controls at all its borders, while France has tightened its regulations since the 2015 terrorist attacks. The Netherlands has also joined this trend by enforcing border checks with Germany and belgium.
Time.news Editor: What are the main reasons these countries are reinstating border controls, and how does this contradict the foundational principles of Schengen?
Expert: The primary justification for these controls has been security concerns and the high number of immigrants. German Interior Minister Nancy Fesser emphasized that while the Schengen area is vital for Germany, there should be a legitimate distribution of refugees to ensure safety.The reintroduction of borders contradicts the essence of Schengen, which aims to foster free movement and integration among EU countries, somthing Luxembourg’s Interior Minister Leon Gloden calls unacceptable.
Time.news Editor: Luxembourg has been vocal about not wanting to revert to divided perceptions of borders. What are the potential implications if this trend of re-establishing internal borders continues?
Expert: If these border controls become a lasting fixture, we risk creating a fragmented Europe where people view boundaries not just physically but mentally as well. This could hinder the mobility of individuals, disrupt economic ties, and complicate cooperation among EU states. The long-term sustainability of schengen depends on effectively balancing security with the need for free movement.
time.news Editor: The EU has admitted Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members. How does this fit into the broader context of internal border controls?
Expert: Admitting Bulgaria and Romania is a step toward expanding the Schengen zone, which can enhance regional stability and cooperation. However, the simultaneous extension of internal border controls by existing members raises questions about the unity and effectiveness of this agreement. The European Commission has articulated that internal controls should be a last resort,yet some nations are extending these measures for up to ten years.
Time.news Editor: As we look forward to the 40th anniversary of Schengen, what advice would you offer to policy makers to ensure the continued success of this agreement?
Expert: It’s crucial for EU member states to adhere to the Schengen legal framework while addressing security concerns pragmatically. Open dialog among nations regarding refugee distribution and border security is essential. Moreover, investing in robust asylum processes and regional cooperation will help alleviate pressures that led to border checks. By fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration, we can reinforce the Schengen Area’s foundational goals.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. As Schengen faces these challenges, it remains one of the EU’s greatest achievements. Your expertise sheds light on the importance of safeguarding this valuable pact for the future.
Expert: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing issue. It’s imperative that we collectively work toward a balanced approach to maintain the spirit of Schengen while ensuring safety and security for all.