Schengen Zone at 40: Border Controls Threaten Free Movement Legacy
As the Schengen Agreement marks its 40th anniversary, increased border checks challenge its founding principle of passport-free travel across Europe.
Published on: June 17, 2025
Schengen's Free Movement Ideal Under Pressure
Four decades after its historic signing aboard a riverboat in Luxembourg, the Schengen Agreement faces its greatest challenge yet. What began as a visionary pact to eliminate border controls between five nations has grown to encompass 29 countries and 420 million people - but 2024 has seen more internal border checks than any year since the zone's creation.
The Economic Benefits of Schengen
Recent Eurobarometer data shows 72% of Europeans consider Schengen one of the EU's greatest achievements. The economic impact is undeniable:
- Romania saw increased foreign investment after joining
- Bulgaria eliminated €300 million in annual transport delays
- Croatia's tourism sector boomed post-accession
Border Controls Become the New Normal
Originally conceived as temporary measures, border checks have become persistent across the zone:
- Germany intensified controls in 2024 after terror attacks
- France has maintained checks since 2015
- 10 Schengen nations currently enforce some border inspections
"We're partially trampling on a very important achievement," lamented Schengen village mayor Michel Gloden during anniversary celebrations, as German police conducted vehicle checks nearby.
Resistance and Remembrance
Some nations resist the trend - Belgium and Portugal maintain largely open borders. Meanwhile, a renovated Schengen Museum aims to remind visitors of the agreement's original vision. "We managed to dismantle borders between countries," said Gloden. "And borders in people's minds should never return."