Met dank overgenomen van Europese Commissie (EC), gepubliceerd op woensdag 2 juni 2021.
Why do we need a Strategy for the Schengen area now?
The Schengen area is the largest free travel area in the world and one of the main achievements of the European Union. While its foundations have proven solid, recent crises and challenges have put Schengen to the test. The 2015 refugee crisis exposed shortcomings in the Union's management of the external borders and of migration, leading to internal border controls being reintroduced in a number of Member States. Internal border controls were also reintroduced in response to terrorist threats. More recently, the coronavirus pandemic has placed major strain on the Schengen area, with more Member States reintroducing internal border controls, at times jeopardising the proper functioning of the internal market, disrupting supply chains within the EU as well as the movement of people, especially those living and working in border regions. Improvements are needed to make sure Schengen can face current and future challenges and that all those living in Europe can continue reaping the benefits of unfettered travel. While the Commission made efforts to mitigate the impact of internal border controls, enhance security, and improve the management of the EU's external borders, a new way forward that ensures the security and mobility of all those living in Europe is needed, also to facilitate the EU's economic recovery after the pandemic.