Well-managed Schengen external borders

Schengen Governance

As a shared project, the Schengen area needs a common response to current and future challenges as well as the commitment from Member States, EU institutions and relevant agencies to address them effectively and jointly. 

To meet the need for this common governance framework, the first annual Schengen cycle was established by the Commission in 2022. The 2022 State of Schengen Report, adopted on 24 May 2022, set out the key elements for the new governance model guaranteeing a structured, coordinated, and common response to common challenges.  

The first Schengen cycle has been an important step towards fostering mutual trust among Member States, increasing awareness of common challenges, nurturing a stronger sense of collective responsibility and paving the way for coordinated and decisive action. 

Since March 2022, Member States’ Ministers of Home Affairs come together in regular meetings of the Schengen Council to discuss matters related to their shared responsibilities and the proper functioning of the Schengen area. These political discussions are steered by a Schengen Barometer presented by the Commission, which provides a comprehensive situational picture of the health and stability of Schengen.  

The second Schengen cycle was kickstarted by the adoption of the 2023 State of Schengen Report, in May 2023, which presents the state of Schengen, identifies challenges, highlights best practices, and establishes priority actions to be addressed for the coming year under the new cycle. It concludes that while specific challenges remain, the Schengen area is stable and strong. It establishes seven priority areas, including the consolidation of the governance of the Schengen area, the strengthening of the management of the EU external borders and the return systems, the need to boost internal security to fight against organised crime and drugs trafficking, and the call for a better use of the common visa policy. The report also stresses the need for the full Schengen accession of Bulgaria and Romania as soon as possible this year and calls on Member States to phase out the long-lasting internal border controls. 

The European border management system implemented by Member States has successfully enabled millions of people to travel to the Schengen area.

Schengen is, therefore, a key driver of competitiveness for European businesses. This achievement highlights the common commitment to make the EU the most attractive destination in the world, facilitating swift and safe border crossings, enhancing security and managing migration. 

An integrated European border management system 

In March 2023, the Commission established the first-ever multiannual strategic policy on European integrated border management. It provides a coordinated framework to make sure that all Member States’ and Frontex activities – from border surveillance to anti-smuggling and to returns – are guided by the same set of common principles and produce tangible results on the ground.  

This new strategic policy cycle will be implemented by the European Border and Coast Guard for the next five years. Today, the Standing Corps has grown to 6000 staff, with deployments in Member States and key third countries. The European Border and Coast Guard standing corps had its first deployments on 1 January 2021. 

The renewed Schengen Information System, which entered into force in March 2023, is the foundation for the establishment of the most advanced border management system in the world. The updated system strengthens external border management and provides additional opportunities for cross-border operational cooperation within the Schengen area 

The Pact on Migration and Asylum also included measures to strengthening the management of EU external borders so that migration is managed in an effective and humane way, fully in line with EU values and with international laws.  

A European approach to search and rescue at sea 

Coastal Member States have responsibilities for search and rescue, but the EU as a whole is responsible for migration management in Europe.