Core Viewpoint - The Schengen Area, established 40 years ago, is facing a "midlife crisis" due to increasing border controls by member states, raising questions about its future as a symbol of European unity and free movement [1][6][11]. Group 1: Historical Context and Significance - The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by five countries (Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) to eliminate border checks and promote free movement, which has significantly contributed to EU economic development and integration [1][4]. - The Schengen Area now includes 29 countries, covering a population of 450 million, and is considered a major achievement of European integration, allowing for the free flow of people and goods [4][10]. Group 2: Current Challenges - Since the 2015 refugee crisis, many Schengen countries have reinstated border controls, with 12 out of 29 countries currently implementing such measures, leading to concerns about the erosion of the Schengen principles [5][6][7]. - The European Commission has criticized these temporary border checks as a "diminution" of the free travel principle, indicating a lack of systematic evaluation of their necessity [7][9]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The Schengen Area facilitates logistics and trade, with transit speeds between member countries being 20 times faster than between non-member countries, significantly benefiting EU businesses [10]. - In 2024, trade within the Schengen Area is projected to exceed €4.1 trillion, and it remains the world's most visited destination, attracting over 500 million tourists annually [10]. Group 4: Public Sentiment and Political Dynamics - A survey indicated that 72% of Europeans view the Schengen Area as one of the EU's major achievements, reflecting a strong public sentiment in favor of free movement [10]. - However, rising populism and political pressures have led to stricter border controls, with some analysts suggesting that these measures are more symbolic than effective in addressing immigration issues [8][9]. Group 5: Future Considerations - The future of the Schengen Area hinges on whether it will continue to promote free movement for all legal residents or become a more exclusive framework that prioritizes certain groups [11][12]. - Calls for unity and coordinated immigration governance have emerged as essential for maintaining the principles of the Schengen Area amidst growing challenges [12].

【环球时报驻德国特约记者 青木】因欧洲各国围绕接收非法移民的矛盾愈演愈烈，波兰总理图斯克日前宣布，将于本月7日起对与德国和立陶宛 的边境实施临时管控，此举引来媒体对申根区名不副实的质疑。据美国"政治新闻网"欧洲版7月1日报道，图斯克表示，他已多次就非法移民遣返 问题与德国政府沟通，波兰方面的耐心"已经耗尽"。他还称，波兰"投入了大量精力、资金和汗水，甚至付出了鲜血，才使其与白俄罗斯的东部边 境密不透风"。 对于波兰的指责，德国总理默茨1日回应称，该国正与波兰政府商议在边境地区展开联合管控，以便打击非法移民活动，并维护申根区的合法自然 流动。 德国《明镜》周刊称，通常情况下，申根区的内部边界没有固定人员检查，若进行管控，相关当局必须向欧盟委员会报告并得到批准。今年5月， 在极右翼政党德国选择党的压力下，德国新政府加强了对边境的检查。根据德国警察工会的数据，平均每周有多达1300人因缺乏必要文件而被拒 绝入境德国。据波兰《事实日报》报道，今年5月1日至6月15日期间，德国当局已将1087人遣返回波兰。 根据欧盟委员会记录，截至7月1日，申根区29国中已有11国（包括奥地利、法国、德国、意大利和荷兰）通知欧盟计划重 ...

德国总理默茨：希望维护申根区，但只有在不被走私犯罪滥用的情况下才能发挥作用。 ...