Europe's Growing Crisis: The Schengen Agreement's in Peril
Europe finds itself confronting a fresh surge of both legal and illegal immigrants, drawing parallels to the immigration wave experienced between 2015 and 2016. Human rights organizations estimate that by the end of September 2023, approximately 114 million individuals have been displaced from their homes due to various circumstances, seeking new opportunities through migration. This unfolding situation has raised considerable concerns among political parties, governmental bodies, and the populace of Europe. Amidst the diverse concerns voiced, this issue has evolved into a formidable challenge, fueling discord among European politicians. The memory of the 2015 experience, when a significant number of immigrants were accepted into the European Union under the guidance of Merkel, remains vivid. However, it appears that the process of assimilation within European society has proven unsuccessful for certain groups of immigrants, subsequently fostering a sense of insecurity within European nations. Europe bears some responsibility in this regard.
Alongside the Europeans' apprehension regarding the immigration wave and their concerns for national security, which are often amplified by far-right political parties, it seems that the European Union has overlooked its approach and handling of immigrants. In fact, a portion of the extremist sentiment harbored by immigrants can be traced back to the functioning of propaganda machinery and media outlets within Europe. For instance, the Gaza war serves as an example where European media, intentionally or unintentionally, has engendered deep polarization among the European populace. Such actions undoubtedly lead to instability and harm for all individuals, resulting in widespread mistrust. Extremist factions have skillfully exploited this climate of distrust and fear, successfully influencing the governments of their respective countries.
In an attempt to curb the rise of far-right ideologies and control their activities, the European Union recently adopted new immigration regulations. This move has managed to appease right-leaning factions and, to some extent, alleviate internal disputes within the European Union concerning immigration matters. Governments directly confronted with the immigrant issue have welcomed this development, as it provides them with the opportunity to impose restrictions on immigrants in cases where national security is at stake. According to relevant authorities, the implementation of the new legislation will introduce a comprehensive system for recording passenger information, eliminating the need for passport stamps. European Union officials have announced that the "Entry/Exit System" (EES) will be operational in member states of the Union by the end of 2024, following a predetermined timetable. Once this law comes into effect, travelers from non-EU countries entering the Schengen area will encounter new border controls. Some experts predict that the launch of this plan may lead to chaos, while others remain hopeful that the repeated delays in its implementation will afford countries sufficient time to prepare for the impending changes.
Although the Schengen Agreement guarantees freedom of movement within its area without border controls, it also allows countries to consider border controls as a "last resort" in situations where internal security or public policy is threatened. Consequently, European Union countries have temporarily closed their borders, with countries such as Austria, Germany, Italy, and Finland intensifying surveillance. It is crucial to note the significance of upholding human rights and the rights of immigrants. Europe currently faces a dilemma regarding its leadership in the realm of human rights versus maintaining unity. Some argue that the attacks on immigration possess more of a media-driven dimension, with the truth differing from popular perception. This media approach is supported by opponents of the European Union, aiming to place the bloc in a political quandary. The European Union presently confronts a formidable challenge as internal disputes persist among its members, and the implementation of temporary entry and exit control laws appears insufficiently effective. Prioritizing the resolution of this challenge before the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2024 is imperative, as there is a high risk of the extreme right exploiting the issue to secure electoral victories. In general, Europe finds itself in a period of considerable challenge, necessitating difficult decisions to effectively manage numerous issues such as the migrant crisis. The outcomes of these decisions will undoubtedly shape the geopolitical future of the European bloc and its role as a prominent player within the international system, yielding direct and tangible consequences.
