The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, spoke on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Area, emphasizing that this area of free movement is admired worldwide and is an example of successful European cooperation. However, she stressed that it should never be taken for granted and that constant dedication and effort are required to preserve and strengthen Schengen, especially regarding the protection of the EU’s external borders. Representatives from various political groups highlighted challenges such as illegal migration, hybrid threats, and the reintroduction of internal controls that could harm good relations among member states. The need for system modernization and cooperation among member states was emphasized to ensure Schengen functions effectively and remains one of the EU’s greatest achievements.
Political Perspectives:
Left: The left-leaning perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining open borders and the Schengen Area as a symbol of European unity and freedom. It highlights the need for cooperation among member states and warns against the negative impact of reintroducing internal border controls, which could undermine trust and solidarity within the EU. The left stresses the humanitarian aspect and the importance of addressing migration challenges through collective European solutions rather than isolationist measures.
Center: The centrist view acknowledges the Schengen Area as one of the EU’s greatest achievements and stresses the importance of balancing free movement with effective border security. It recognizes the challenges posed by illegal migration and hybrid threats and supports modernizing the Schengen system to adapt to current realities. The center promotes pragmatic cooperation among member states to ensure both security and freedom of movement are preserved.
Right: The right-leaning perspective focuses on the necessity of securing the EU’s external borders to protect the Schengen Area. It supports the reintroduction of internal border controls as a response to migration pressures and security threats. The right warns against overly liberal immigration policies and emphasizes sovereignty and national security. It calls for strict measures to prevent illegal migration and maintain the integrity of the Schengen system.
