The 40th Anniversary of the Schengen Agreement: From a Milestone in European Integration to an Uncertain Future

Abstract

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, this essay explores the historical significance and contemporary challenges of a Europe with open internal borders. Although the Schengen area is widely considered a symbol of European integration, the reintroduction of border controls in several member states suggests that this fundamental principle is under threat. The text examines the socio-political and legal aspects of the current rebordering and questions its compatibility with the idea and law of “Schengen”. The authors advocate stronger legal control and greater political resilience within the Schengen area, especially considering cross-border regional interdependencies.