The Schengen Zone, which has represented free movement across Europe for nearly 40 years, is now facing significant challenges. One by one, countries are reinstating border controls, raising concerns about the future of this historic agreement.
A New Reality for Schengen
The Schengen Agreement, which includes 29 European nations—25 out of 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland and Cyprus) along with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein—has been a major benefit for trade and logistics. However, growing concerns over illegal immigration have prompted political leaders to rethink the open-border policy.
One prominent example is Friedrich Merz, the new leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who has advocated for stricter border checks to combat illegal migration and reclaim votes from far-right parties. His stance is gaining traction among other European governments.
Which Countries Are Reinforcing Border Controls?
Temporary border measures were previously introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are now becoming more permanent. As of February 2025, ten countries have officially announced stricter controls:
- Germany – Border checks until September 15, 2025;
- Bulgaria – Controls on the Romanian border until June 30, 2025;
- Slovenia – Checks at Croatian and Hungarian borders until June 21, 2025;
- Italy – Controls at the Slovenian border until June 18, 2025;
- Austria – Checks at Hungarian and Slovenian borders until May 11, 2025;
- Netherlands – Air border controls with Belgium and Germany until June 8, 2025;
- Norway – Maritime border checks with Schengen countries until May 11, 2025;
- Denmark – Maritime border controls with Germany until May 11, 2025;
- France – Border checks with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain until April 30, 2025;
- Sweden – Controls on all internal borders until May 11, 2025.
Impact on Logistics and the Economy
While these measures do not signal a full return to traditional border checkpoints, mobile inspections are already causing delays. On the A1 highway between Germany and the Netherlands, waiting times range from 15 to 30 minutes, forcing freight companies to consider alternative routes such as the N35.
Back in 2016, the European Commission estimated that reintroducing border controls could cost the EU between €5 billion and €18 billion annually. Today, these figures are likely even higher.
Could this mark the beginning of the end for the Schengen Zone? While time will tell, the current situation is already posing significant challenges for businesses and international trade.
A New Reality for Schengen
The Schengen Agreement, which includes 29 European nations—25 out of 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland and Cyprus) along with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein—has been a major benefit for trade and logistics. However, growing concerns over illegal immigration have prompted political leaders to rethink the open-border policy.
One prominent example is Friedrich Merz, the new leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who has advocated for stricter border checks to combat illegal migration and reclaim votes from far-right parties. His stance is gaining traction among other European governments.
Which Countries Are Reinforcing Border Controls?
Temporary border measures were previously introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are now becoming more permanent. As of February 2025, ten countries have officially announced stricter controls:
- Germany – Border checks until September 15, 2025;
- Bulgaria – Controls on the Romanian border until June 30, 2025;
- Slovenia – Checks at Croatian and Hungarian borders until June 21, 2025;
- Italy – Controls at the Slovenian border until June 18, 2025;
- Austria – Checks at Hungarian and Slovenian borders until May 11, 2025;
- Netherlands – Air border controls with Belgium and Germany until June 8, 2025;
- Norway – Maritime border checks with Schengen countries until May 11, 2025;
- Denmark – Maritime border controls with Germany until May 11, 2025;
- France – Border checks with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain until April 30, 2025;
- Sweden – Controls on all internal borders until May 11, 2025.
Impact on Logistics and the Economy
While these measures do not signal a full return to traditional border checkpoints, mobile inspections are already causing delays. On the A1 highway between Germany and the Netherlands, waiting times range from 15 to 30 minutes, forcing freight companies to consider alternative routes such as the N35.
Back in 2016, the European Commission estimated that reintroducing border controls could cost the EU between €5 billion and €18 billion annually. Today, these figures are likely even higher.
Could this mark the beginning of the end for the Schengen Zone? While time will tell, the current situation is already posing significant challenges for businesses and international trade.
