Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
What is the Schengen area? How does it work? And what does it take to let millions of people move freely while keeping the area secure? Find the answers in this video, as we travel across multiple Schengen countries, from Belgium to the Netherlands, Poland and all the way to the border with Ukraine, where Frontex officers work side by side with Polish border guards to help protect the EU’s outer borders.
Discover the history and challenges of an idea that began in the small Luxembourg village of Schengen and grew to cover 29 countries – Bulgaria and Romania were the latest to join, in 2025 – and see how these countries work together, alongside agencies such as Frontex, EU-Lisa, Cepol and Europol, to protect freedom of movement and maintain strong external border security.
Because Schengen is much more than control-free borders. It’s a symbol of trust, cooperation and unity.
So pack your bags and join me on this journey through Schengen!
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: what is Schengen?
00:35 Three countries, one step
01:00 The birth of Schengen
01:30 From 5 countries to 29
02:10 Life without borders
02:45 The economic boost
03:10 Security at the outer borders
03:40 Inside Frontex
04:30 Keeping watch on the borders
05:00 On the ground in Medyka
06:00 When borders return
06:30 Schengen: Europe’s big achievement