New UniGR-CBS Working Paper – 40 Years of Schengen: People, Borders, Politics

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, the UniGR-CBS and the European Migration Network Luxembourg organized the conference “40 Years of Schengen: People, Borders, Politics” on 11 June 2025 in Luxembourg.

The discussions focused on the free movement of people in border regions, particularly in the SaarLorLux region, as well as on the socio-economic interdependencies, legal and political challenges linked to the Schengen Area. Particular attention was given to the consequences of the reintroduction of internal border controls and to the shifting dynamics at the external borders of the Schengen Area, where migration, security debates, and geopolitical crises are reconfiguring the Schengen spirit.

The newly published conference report summarises the debates and contributions, offering insights into the diverse perspectives of policymakers, researchers and civil society. The report highlights why Schengen is today more than ever a symbol of freedom, solidarity and European cooperation, and the challenges that lie ahead for its future.
 

Bibliographical references and download
European Migration Network Luxembourg (2025): 40 Years of Schengen: People, Borders, Politics. UniGR-CBS Working Paper, Vol. 26, download

More information about the conference here