Schengen Agreement Faces New Challenges Amid Rising Border Controls
As the European Union approaches the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement in 2025, the recent decision by Germany to impose tighter border controls raises significant concerns about the future of freedom of movement in Europe. This move, framed as a response to rising crime and irregular migration, echoes past tensions and threatens the foundational principles of the agreement that has allowed for the seamless movement of people across member states since its inception.
Signed on June 14, 1985, the Schengen Agreement initially involved five countries and has since expanded to include 26 member states, covering an area of 4,312,000 square kilometers inhabited by approximately 420 million people. The agreement’s core tenet is the abolition of internal border checks, promoting not only tourism but also economic stability and trade among EU nations. However, the resurgence of border controls, particularly in Germany, is reigniting fears about the future of European integration.
The recent imposition of temporary border checks by Germany, which began in October 2023, is part of a broader trend as several Schengen countries have adopted similar measures. Austria, France, Italy, Slovenia, and various Scandinavian nations have all enacted temporary restrictions citing security concerns linked to terrorism, organized crime, and the ongoing geopolitical instability stemming from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. These developments have raised alarms among EU officials and former leaders, who warn that such actions could undermine the achievements of European integration and the spirit of the Schengen Agreement.
Historically, the Schengen area has withstood multiple crises, including the 2015 refugee influx and the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily restricted movement. However, the recent spike in asylum applications—over 1.14 million in 2023—combined with nationalistic pressures and right-wing political movements, poses a new challenge to the agreement's integrity. Observers note that the political climate in Germany following violent incidents involving asylum seekers could lead to further calls for stringent border policies, complicating the EU's collective response to migration.
Despite the Schengen Agreement's provisions allowing for temporary border controls in exceptional circumstances, critics argue that the current wave of restrictions is becoming the norm rather than the exception. The European Commission has urged member states to gradually remove these controls, yet the reality on the ground suggests a growing divergence between national security policies and the collective goals of the EU. As tensions rise over migration and security, the future of the Schengen Agreement remains uncertain, with many fearing that the ideals of free movement may be sacrificed in favor of national interests.
