'Schengen backbone for EU's internal market; facilitates lives of 450 million people,' European Commission says

Brussels [Belgium], April 24: The European Commission has published its annual State of Schengen report as the EU gets ready to celebrate 40 years of Schengen. The report reviews the achievements, challenges and developments in the Schengen area over the last year.
It shows that Schengen rules are being well applied and that intensified EU efforts have led tor educing irregular crossings at its external borders. It also highlights how Schengen requirements have become a crucial aspect of the EU enlargement process.
At the beginning of 2025, Bulgaria and Romania completed their full accession to the Schengen area. The report notes how this has strengthened the EU economy and shows that EU countries are committed to working together under Schengen.
According to the report, Schengen is one of the EU's biggest success stories. It is the backbone for the EU's internal market and facilitates the lives of almost 450 million people. The Commission has been evaluating the state of Schengen every year since 2022.
The findings of the report help EU countries decide what they need to prioritise over the coming year, thereby ensuring that Schengen continues to evolve and adapt to changing realities.
Source: Emirates News Agency