Schengen Zone Celebrates 40 Years Amid Germany's Border Control Debate

Schengen Agreement Marks 40 Years Amid Migration Tensions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement on Saturday, calling it 'the foundation of our free Europe' even as his government faces criticism over recent border control measures. The landmark agreement, signed in 1985, created a border-free zone that now includes 29 countries with approximately 420 million inhabitants.

Merz's Balancing Act on Border Policy

While praising the Schengen zone, Merz emphasized the need for 'secure external borders' and implementation of new migration rules. His comments come as Germany has reinstated police controls on roads and railways along many of its borders, a move that has sparked debate about the future of Europe's border-free travel.

• The Schengen Agreement was signed by Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands
• Current zone includes 29 countries with 420 million inhabitants
• Germany has implemented temporary border controls amid migration concerns

Regional Leaders Voice Concerns

Alexander Schweitzer, premier of Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate state, cautioned that the federal government's border checks 'must not become permanent.' Speaking at an anniversary event in Schengen, Luxembourg, Schweitzer called the agreement 'a historic achievement' while acknowledging the need for 'local, temporary, well-justified border controls.'

The debate over border controls comes as Merz's new government seeks to address rising anti-immigrant sentiment in Germany, where far-right movements have gained strength in recent years. The chancellor has promised to clamp down on irregular migration while maintaining Germany's commitment to European integration.

The Future of Schengen

As Europe celebrates four decades of border-free travel, the anniversary highlights both the achievements of the Schengen zone and the ongoing challenges it faces. Security concerns, migration pressures, and political tensions continue to test the agreement's founding principles of free movement and European unity.