Key Points:
- Schengen Agreement marks 40 years of border-free travel
- Germany, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg celebrate historic milestone
- Schengen area now includes 29 countries and 450 million people
- Bulgaria and Romania joined Schengen fully in 2025
- Agreement abolished internal border controls, boosting mobility and economy
- Cross-border workers and travelers benefit from seamless movement
- Leaders emphasize preserving Schengen amid security and migration challenges
- Celebrations include reopening Schengen Museum and cultural events
- Schengen seen as cornerstone of European unity and integration
- Calls for smarter border management instead of reintroducing controls
On June 14, 2025, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, a landmark treaty that transformed Europe by abolishing internal border controls among participating countries. Signed in the small Luxembourgish village of Schengen on the banks of the Moselle River, the agreement laid the foundation for the free movement of people and goods, fostering unprecedented European integration and cooperation.
This milestone is celebrated not only by the original signatories but also by the 29 countries that now form the Schengen Area, encompassing over 450 million people who enjoy seamless travel, work, and residence rights across borders.
The Origins of the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. It was a visionary step towards dismantling border checks within Europe, initially implemented gradually and fully operational by 1995. The treaty was inspired by the desire to enhance European unity, facilitate trade, and promote cultural exchange.
The choice of the village of Schengen as the signing location was symbolic: it lies at the tripoint where France, Luxembourg, and Germany meet, representing the spirit of cross-border cooperation and shared destiny.
Expansion and Current Scope of Schengen
Since its inception, the Schengen Area has expanded significantly. Today, it includes 25 European Union member states plus four non-EU countries—Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Notably, Bulgaria and Romania became full members on January 1, 2025, further strengthening the area.
The agreement excludes Ireland and Cyprus for specific reasons: Ireland maintains a Common Travel Area with the UK, and Cyprus is in the process of joining.
Benefits of Schengen: Freedom, Economy, and Security
The Schengen Agreement has delivered profound benefits across Europe:
- Freedom of Movement: Approximately 450 million people can travel across member countries without passport controls, facilitating tourism, study, and work. An estimated 3.5 million people cross internal borders daily, and around 1.7 million live in one country while working in another.
- Economic Growth: The removal of border checks has lowered costs and streamlined trade, creating jobs and boosting economies. Businesses benefit from faster transport and reduced administrative burdens.
- Enhanced Security Cooperation: While internal borders are open, member states collaborate closely on external border management, crime prevention, and migration policy, balancing freedom with safety.
Celebrations and Commemorations in 2025
The 40th anniversary was marked by a series of events, particularly in the town of Schengen itself. On June 14, a ceremonial lifting of a border barrier symbolized the enduring legacy of the agreement. The festivities included:
- The reopening of the European Museum Schengen, showcasing the history and impact of the treaty.
- The return and public display of the historic ship "Prinzessin Marie-Astrid Europa," where the original agreement was signed, following extensive renovations.
- Attendance by dignitaries such as Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri and Princess Marie-Astrid, alongside foreign ministers from member states including Bulgaria and Montenegro.
- Cultural events, concerts, and public celebrations highlighting European integration.
Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, emphasized the agreement’s importance, especially for cross-border workers in Luxembourg, and stressed the need to preserve Schengen’s principles.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Despite its success, Schengen faces challenges. Recent years have seen some countries, including Germany, temporarily reintroduce border controls citing security and migration concerns. Saarland’s Minister-President Anke Rehlinger, also President of the German Bundesrat, addressed these tensions during the anniversary, stating, “Schengen is not the problem” and advocating for “smarter solutions than border checks.”
Leaders reiterated the importance of maintaining free movement while enhancing cooperation on external border security and migration management. The Dublin Regulation and external border policies remain key components of the broader European migration framework.
Schengen’s Role in European Integration
The Schengen Agreement is widely regarded as a cornerstone of European unity. It exemplifies the EU’s commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering solidarity among nations. The area facilitates not only economic exchange but also cultural understanding and social cohesion.
Young Europeans particularly appreciate Schengen’s benefits through initiatives like DiscoverEU, which enables 18-year-olds to travel across Europe by train, exploring diverse cultures without the hassle of border controls.
Looking Ahead: Preserving and Strengthening Schengen
As the Schengen Area celebrates four decades, policymakers emphasize the need to safeguard the agreement’s achievements. This includes:
- Continued modernization of border management technologies.
- Enhanced information sharing and cooperation among member states.
- Balancing free movement with effective security measures.
- Promoting public awareness of Schengen’s benefits and challenges.
The anniversary serves as a reminder that Schengen is not merely a policy but a vital element of European identity and cooperation.
The 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement is a milestone that celebrates the vision and determination of Germany, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and their partners to create a Europe without internal borders. Over four decades, Schengen has transformed the continent, enabling millions to live, work, and travel freely, while fostering economic growth and security cooperation.
As Europe looks to the future, the commitment to preserving and enhancing Schengen remains strong, ensuring that the promise of unity and mobility continues to benefit generations to come.