Sebastian Schäffer for Carnegie Europe on the Future of Schengen

“Schengen is more than a policy framework; It’s a foundational symbol of European unity. But symbols only endure when they are upheld in practice. Forty years on, the Schengen model remains conceptually fit for purpose, yet politically fragile.

The creeping normalization of internal border controls reflects a shift from temporary exception to semipermanent policy. What used to be extraordinary—such as checks during major football tournaments or G7/8 meetings—has become routine. This “permanent provisionality” is unacceptable and erodes citizens’ trust in the promises of European integration.

Instead of allowing Schengen to become collateral damage in national debates on immigration or security, the EU must recommit to its principles—through solidarity at the external borders, coordinated immigration governance, and the political courage to defend free movement. This also means completing the European project by integrating the Western Balkans. As long as these countries remain in limbo, borders continue to shift inward—not physically, but functionally—creating zones of exclusion that undermine the credibility of EU enlargement and unity.

Schengen’s future will not be secured by fences or fear, but by restoring trust and upholding the freedoms it was built to guarantee. In times when others are trying to shift borders by force, this is needed more than ever.”

Read the whole article here.