申根区遭遇“成长的烦恼”（第一现场）

Core Points - The Schengen Area, established in 1985, now includes 29 member countries and covers a population of 450 million, facilitating free movement of people and goods across borders [1][4] - Recent challenges, including the refugee crisis, have led to temporary border controls in 12 Schengen countries, raising concerns about the future of the Schengen Agreement [1][5] Group 1: Historical Context - The Schengen Agreement was signed in Luxembourg by five countries, aiming to eliminate internal border checks and promote European integration [2][3] - The Schengen Museum commemorates this history, showcasing artifacts and narratives that highlight the significance of cross-border cooperation and trust [2][3] Group 2: Current Operations - The Schengen Area is the largest borderless region globally, with nearly 70% of European countries participating, allowing for approximately 2 million cross-border commuters daily [4] - Member countries collaborate in various sectors, including education and healthcare, demonstrating the benefits of integration despite facing security challenges [4] Group 3: Challenges and Responses - Temporary border controls have become more common, with 12 out of 29 Schengen countries implementing such measures since the 2015 refugee crisis [5][6] - The European Commission warns that if internal border checks become permanent, it could lead to significant economic losses, estimated at €470 billion over ten years [6] Group 4: Future Outlook - Bulgaria and Romania are set to join the Schengen Area in January 2025, marking a significant expansion and reflecting the ongoing appeal of the Schengen system [7] - The EU aims to enhance governance and operational management of the Schengen Area, focusing on digitalization and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to address current challenges [8]