The Schengen Agreement was heralded as a triumph of European integration, enabling seamless travel and fostering economic and cultural exchange. Yet, in 2024, the reintroduction of internal border controls across the Schengen Area has reached an unprecedented scale. Germany, France, and the Netherlands, among others, have tightened border checks, citing migration pressures and security concerns. This shift raises troubling questions about the EU’s commitment to its founding principles and its ability to maintain unity amid rising nationalist sentiments.
Why are internal border controls increasing?
Several factors are driving this resurgence of border controls:
- Migration pressures: Large numbers of asylum seekers and irregular migrants continue to challenge the EU’s external border security. Nations like Germany have reinstated checks, arguing that the EU’s failure to distribute migrants equitably has left some member states disproportionately burdened.
- Populism and political pressure: The rise of nationalist movements across Europe has spurred governments to take visible actions, such as border checks, to appease domestic audiences. However, this undermines EU-wide solutions and fosters distrust among member states.
- Security concerns: Terrorism and organized crime have also been cited as justifications for controls. Despite efforts to bolster collective security, individual nations often prefer unilateral measures.
Consequences of eroding Schengen freedoms
Economic and social impact
Reintroducing border controls within Schengen disrupts supply chains, tourism, and cross-border employment. A 2024 report noted that Schengen facilitates free movement for nearly 450 million people, contributing significantly to the EU economy. Border checks, even if limited, hinder these benefits.
Erosion of trust and unity
Temporary border controls have become normalized, eroding trust between member states. This fragmentation could escalate, endangering broader EU cooperation on issues like climate change, trade, and security.
A dangerous historical precedent
History shows that closing borders fuels division rather than unity. The interwar period, marked by economic isolation and nationalist policies, serves as a grim reminder of the costs of fragmentation. Repeating these mistakes could undo decades of peace and collaboration in Europe.
Can Schengen be saved?
The European Commission and Parliament have consistently emphasized the need to uphold Schengen freedoms, urging member states to use internal border controls only as a last resort. Proposals for 2024-2025 include:
- Strengthening external borders: Enhanced digital tools and joint efforts aim to manage migration flows more effectively.
- Greater solidarity: Initiatives to distribute asylum seekers fairly across the EU could reduce the strain on frontline states and curb unilateral actions.
- Integrated law enforcement: Increased cross-border police cooperation offers an alternative to physical border checks while maintaining security.
The cost of failure
If the Schengen framework collapses, the EU risks deeper political and economic instability. Border closures not only undermine integration but also embolden nationalist forces across Europe. The loss of freedom of movement could reignite tensions reminiscent of pre-World War II Europe, threatening the peace and unity that the EU was created to protect.
A crossroads for Europe
The current trend of reintroducing border controls is a dangerous step backward for the European project. As the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement approaches in 2025, European leaders must recommit to its ideals. The stakes are too high—abandoning Schengen risks unraveling not just a key EU achievement but also the fragile peace and stability of the continent.