40岁的申根区，迎来“中年危机”

Core Points - The Schengen Agreement, established 40 years ago, is facing a crisis as at least 11 member countries have temporarily reinstated border controls, reversing the original intent of free movement [3][39]. - The current political climate in Europe shows a growing resistance to immigration, with public sentiment favoring stricter border controls and a reduction in the acceptance of refugees [41][46]. - The Schengen area, which allows free movement for 450 million people across 29 countries, is now at a crossroads, with leaders grappling with the balance between national security and the foundational principles of the agreement [42][50]. Group 1 - The Schengen Agreement was initially aimed at eliminating border checks among member states, fostering European integration and free movement [1][4]. - Recent data indicates a significant increase in temporary border controls among Schengen countries, with 400 instances recorded from 2015 to 2024, highlighting a shift towards more restrictive policies [24][39]. - The political pressure from far-right parties in Germany has influenced the government's stance on immigration and border control, leading to a more stringent approach [8][41]. Group 2 - Luxembourg, as the birthplace of the Schengen Agreement, continues to advocate for the core principles of free movement, opposing the internal border controls reinstated by neighboring countries [5][39]. - The German government, under new leadership, has implemented strict border checks, citing public safety concerns and a rise in illegal immigration as justifications [6][10]. - The reintroduction of border controls has caused logistical challenges, disrupting cross-border commuting and trade, which are essential for the European economy [44][35]. Group 3 - The EU has expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing frequency of border controls, emphasizing the need for compliance with Schengen regulations and the importance of protecting external borders [38][39]. - The ongoing immigration crisis has led to a rise in populist sentiments across Europe, complicating the political landscape and challenging the unity of the EU [25][46]. - The future of the Schengen Agreement hinges on addressing the underlying issues of immigration and public sentiment, as well as balancing national interests with collective European goals [50][47].