Fragmented map of Europe symbolizing Schengen Agreement challenges.

Is the Dream of a Borderless Europe Fading? The Future of Schengen

Elliot Brynn in Global Affairs June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the challenges to the Schengen Agreement and what they mean for freedom of movement in Europe."

For many Europeans, the Schengen Agreement embodies the freedom to travel, work, and live without the constant hassle of border checks. This has fostered closer ties, boosted tourism, and made international business easier. But this symbol of European unity is under threat. What was once seen as an unshakable agreement is now facing persistent challenges that could fundamentally alter the way Europeans move across borders.

Over the past several years, events like the rise in terrorist activities and significant migration flows have led some member states to reinstate border controls. These actions, while presented as necessary for security, strike at the heart of the Schengen ideal. The question now is whether these measures are temporary fixes or signs of a more permanent shift towards a less open Europe.

This article examines the pressures on the Schengen Agreement, exploring the political, security, and social factors that are reshaping Europe's internal borders. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone who values the principles of free movement and European integration.

The Cracks in the Foundation

Fragmented map of Europe symbolizing Schengen Agreement challenges.

The Schengen Agreement, established to create a borderless zone within Europe, has faced increasing strain in recent years. While the agreement allows for temporary border controls in exceptional circumstances, several member states have extended these controls for prolonged periods, citing security concerns and migration pressures. This has led to debates about the long-term viability of the agreement and its core principles.

One of the primary triggers for the reintroduction of border controls was the surge in terrorist attacks across Europe. In response, countries like France implemented strict border checks, arguing that they were necessary to prevent the entry of potential attackers. Similarly, the influx of migrants and asylum seekers in 2015 led several nations, including Germany, Austria, and Sweden, to reinstate border controls to manage the flow of people entering their territories.

While intended as short-term measures, these border controls have become increasingly normalized, raising questions about their impact on the Schengen Area:

Economic Impact: Border controls can disrupt trade and tourism, leading to economic losses for businesses and individuals.
Social Impact: The reintroduction of borders can undermine the sense of European identity and create barriers between communities.
Political Impact: Disagreements over border controls have strained relations between member states, highlighting divisions within the European Union.

These factors have created a complex situation where security concerns and political pressures are challenging the fundamental principles of the Schengen Agreement. The key question is whether Europe can find a way to balance security needs with the commitment to free movement that has been a cornerstone of European integration.

Finding a Path Forward

The future of the Schengen Agreement remains uncertain, but it's clear that Europe needs to find a way to address the challenges it faces while preserving the core principles of free movement. This will require a combination of stronger external border controls, improved intelligence sharing, and a renewed commitment to solidarity among member states. Only then can Europe ensure that the dream of a borderless continent does not fade away.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/pld.116.0012, Alternate LINK

Title: La Disparition De Schengen ?

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Plein droit

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Yves Pascouau

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What challenges does the Schengen Agreement currently face, and what are the potential implications for the future of Europe?

The Schengen Agreement, designed to eliminate internal border checks within Europe, is facing challenges due to increased security concerns and migration pressures. Several member states have reintroduced border controls, leading to disruptions in trade and tourism, undermining European identity, and straining relations between member states. Finding a balance between security and the commitment to free movement is crucial for the future of the Schengen Area. If solutions aren't found it could lead to the end of the Schengen Agreement and a fractured Europe.

What events have led to the reintroduction of border controls within the Schengen Area, and how do these actions impact the agreement's core principles?

Terrorist activities and significant migration flows have prompted some member states to reinstate border controls within the Schengen Area. Countries like France implemented strict border checks in response to terrorist attacks. Similarly, the influx of migrants and asylum seekers in 2015 led nations such as Germany, Austria, and Sweden to reinstate border controls. These actions challenge the fundamental principles of the Schengen Agreement and raise questions about the long-term viability of a borderless Europe.

What are the economic, social, and political consequences of reintroducing border controls within the Schengen Area?

The reintroduction of border controls within the Schengen Area has several consequences. Economically, it disrupts trade and tourism, leading to financial losses. Socially, it undermines the sense of European identity and creates barriers between communities. Politically, it strains relations between member states, highlighting divisions within the European Union. These impacts demonstrate the complex interplay between security needs and the commitment to free movement.

What steps are necessary to ensure the survival of the Schengen Agreement and address the challenges it currently faces?

The future of the Schengen Agreement is uncertain, but key steps are needed to address current challenges. Strengthening external border controls is essential to manage the flow of people entering the Schengen Area. Improved intelligence sharing among member states can enhance security and prevent potential threats. A renewed commitment to solidarity among member states is crucial for addressing migration pressures and other common challenges. Combining all may ensure the survival of the Schengen Agreement and avoid a return to a Europe with more barriers.

What are the implications of normalizing temporary border controls within the Schengen Area, and how might this affect the long-term viability of free movement in Europe?

The normalization of temporary border controls within the Schengen Area has significant implications. While these controls are presented as necessary for security, their prolonged use can erode the principles of free movement and European integration. This raises questions about whether these measures are temporary fixes or signs of a permanent shift towards a less open Europe. The long-term impact of normalized border controls could fundamentally alter the way Europeans move across borders and diminish the benefits of the Schengen Agreement.