Since autumn 2015, the Schengen area has not been fully borderless, as many member states have reintroduced internal border controls in response to crises such as immigration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics reveal a dramatic increase in the reimposition of border controls, rising from 36 instances between 2006 and 2015 to 405 instances from 2015 to 2024, indicating a significant policy shift.

Unilateral actions by member states regarding border controls contradict EU law and threaten the principle of free movement, leading to a decline in political trust among member states.

Despite these challenges, the free movement of people remains essential for the EU's internal market, underscoring the ongoing importance of the Schengen framework.

Looking ahead, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require visa-exempt non-EU travelers to apply for travel authorization, valid for three years.

Future developments for the Schengen area include the introduction of digital visas and the Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch in October 2025, aimed at enhancing security.

Despite the growing political backlash against migrants, the Schengen Agreement has largely remained intact, serving as a powerful symbol of European unity and integration.

The shifting perceptions of Schengen, particularly following crises like COVID-19 and increased migration, have prompted renovations of the Schengen museum in Luxembourg to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen area, with Cyprus expected to follow in 2026, while Ireland remains outside due to border issues with Northern Ireland.

Now comprising 29 member states, including 25 EU countries and four non-EU nations, the Schengen area stands as one of the greatest achievements of European unity, despite facing rising concerns about its future.

The Schengen area, which celebrates its 40th anniversary on June 14, 2025, is a significant achievement of European integration, allowing free movement across borders for millions of EU citizens and visitors.

Originally signed on June 14, 1985, by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, the Schengen Agreement aimed to eliminate internal border checks while enhancing external border security.