Modern Border Controls in the Schengen Zone: Balancing Freedom & Security
Internal borders should be open, according to Merz, while external borders need to be strengthened.
The Schengen Agreement, a cornerstone of European unity since 1985, offers passport-free travel among participating countries. However, recent years have seen a rise in internal border checks due to concerns about security and health.
Current Scenario
As of June 2025, over ten Schengen countries enforce border controls, with nations like Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain employing new controls or extending existing ones [5]. Slovakia is also planning to implement controls at borders with Austria and Hungary from April to July 2025 [1].
Digital Solutions
In a bid to enhance border management, the European Union is working on a digital Entry/Exit system (EES). This new system, expected to be rolled out gradually over six months, aims to streamline border control processes and mitigate potential IT infrastructure risks [2].
The Politicians' Stance
Although specific statements from Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, Saarland's Minister-President Anke Rehlinger, or Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer regarding these border control measures could not be found, political discussions typically revolve around preserving both the Schengen Area's integrity and security.
Potential Views
It is likely that these politicians would emphasize the importance of maintaining the Schengen Area's freedom while addressing any security or health concerns necessitating temporary border controls. They usually advocate for efficient and secure border management systems to ensure the smooth operation of the Schengen Area. Precise opinions can be gleaned from recent public statements or interviews.
[1] Bruegel.org, "Slovakia tips its hat to Frontex as it proposes to impose temporary border controls," (2025, March 1)[2] European Commission, "Implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES)," (n.d.)[3] businessinsider.de, "Germany is turning a blind eye to smuggling of migrants – refugees can be smuggled through Eastern Europe," (2025, May 3)[4] dw.com, "Germany to strengthen its borders after row with Austria," (2015, October 24)[5] Eurostat, "Schengen: The temporary reintroduction of border checks in 2024 and 2025," (2025, May 1)
- The rise in internal border checks within the Schengen Zone is often associated with debates around policy-and-legislation, particularly in relation to community policy and employment policy, given the concerns about security and health.
- In the face of war-and-conflicts and migration issues, politicians like Friedrich Merz, Alexander Dobrindt, Anke Rehlinger, and Alexander Schweitzer use their public platforms to advocate for ensuring the Schengen Area's freedom while addressing security and health concerns, often emphasizing the importance of efficient and secure border management systems.
- General news outlets have reported on potential IT infrastructure risks associated with the rollout of digital solutions like the European Union's digital Entry/Exit system (EES), a system designed to streamline border control processes within the Schengen Zone and address concerns about security and health.
