Schengen area countries extend border restrictions Amid ongoing crises

Several countries within the Schengen area have reintroduced restrictions on border crossings.

The Schengen Agreement traditionally allows for the free movement of individuals within the area with checks occurring only at external borders, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

However, the ongoing migration crisis, which began in 2015, has led to a gradual reclosure of internal borders, initially starting with Germany and subsequently affecting the entire Schengen area. Despite the end of the pandemic, eight countries have chosen to maintain these restrictions.

The article highlights that the situation has been further complicated by the Ukrainian crisis and escalating tensions in the Middle East, exacerbating existing challenges within the region.

The current situation has raised alarm among European observers, some of whom are warning about the potential "end of Schengen." One major concern is that Brussels has not penalized countries that misuse border controls.

At the same time, Europe cannot afford to abandon the Schengen Agreement, as it is one of the EU's foundational principles. Additionally, doing so could lead to significant financial losses for the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva