Suche
Mein Konto
40 years of Schengen: Neuwied celebrates freedom and warns against border controls!
On June 14, 2025, Europeans in Schengen celebrated 40 years of the Schengen Agreement and emphasized the importance of cohesion and open borders.
40 years of Schengen: Neuwied celebrates freedom and warns against border controls!
On June 14, 2025, the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement was celebrated with a major celebration in Schengen, Luxembourg. Thousands of Europeans have come together to celebrate this important milestone in European history. The event was hosted by the group Pulse of Europe from Neuwied, which is committed to European cohesion.
The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 by Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg, is one of the key achievements of European integration. It allowed for the gradual abolition of borders, promoting freedom of travel and the free movement of goods in Europe. Currently, 29 member states are integrated into the Schengen area, which significantly increases the benefits for travelers and companies, according to the Federal Government.
Concern about the future
During the celebrations, speakers expressed concern about the potential threats posed by a return to border controls, particularly in Germany. Anke Rehlinger, Prime Minister of Saarland, emphasized the need for effective border protection at the EU's external borders. This concern is not unfounded, as Germany introduced random border controls in September 2024 to address high levels of irregular migration.
In today's times, when municipalities and asylum systems are overburdened, member states are under pressure. According to the Schengen Borders Code, controls can be reintroduced in exceptional cases, but this is subject to strict criteria. They are only permitted in exceptional circumstances and for a limited time.
Joint celebration and European commitment
The event in Schengen not only brought together members from Neuwied, but also numerous groups from Luxembourg, Stuttgart, Aachen and Cologne. These initiatives underline the value of European cohesion in times of change. A particularly impressive element of the celebration was the “European swing cloth”, which was brought from Neuwied and attracted many visitors. Former EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was impressed by the participants' commitment.
The celebrations were also held in ZDF “Today Journal” reported in detail, which further brought the significance of this historic agreement into the public eye.