The European Commission has published its fifth annual State of the Schengen report, outlining major developments across the Schengen area over the past year while setting
priorities for 2026–2027.
According to the report, the Schengen zone — one of the European Union’s most significant achievements — continued to show resilience, supported by coordinated action at both EU and national levels. The system allows more than 450 million people to move freely across internal borders, facilitating travel, work, study and trade, while maintaining cooperation on external border security.
The report highlights notable improvements in border management and migration control. Illegal border crossings fell by 26% in 2025 compared with 2024, while the EU-wide return rate of people without legal right to stay rose to 28%, the highest level in a decade.
A key milestone was the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026, introducing a more digitalised approach to external border management. In its first six months, member states recorded over 66 million border crossings and refused entry to around 32,000 individuals deemed inadmissible.
The Commission also introduced its first-ever EU Visa Strategy in January 2026, aimed at strengthening security aspects of visa policy while supporting talent attraction and economic competitiveness.
Despite these gains, the report warns that challenges persist amid a complex geopolitical environment. It stresses the need for continued collective action to maintain a secure and resilient Schengen system.
Looking ahead, priorities for 2026–2027 include further strengthening external borders through expanded digital systems such as the Entry/Exit System and the upcoming ETIAS travel authorisation scheme for visa-exempt travellers. Implementation of the Screening Regulation and contingency measures under the Pact on Migration and Asylum will also be reinforced.
Improving returns of irregular migrants remains a central focus, with member states urged to enhance operational capacity and make greater use of Frontex support. The Commission also plans to propose legislation in 2026 to digitise return procedures and introduce digital case management systems to streamline administrative processes.
Internal security cooperation will continue to be strengthened through coordinated dialogue on internal border controls, while efforts will also focus on completing Schengen accession for Cyprus and advancing full implementation of rules in Ireland. Engagement with enlargement countries is also expected to continue.
The Commission is inviting the Schengen Council to discuss the report and adopt the priorities at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in June.
The report is part of the Commission’s ongoing annual assessment framework introduced in 2022 to reinforce governance of the Schengen system and ensure coordinated responses to shared challenges across the bloc. Photo by Hoebele, Wikimedia commons.