© Steve Müller
With the ceremonial lifting of a barrier at the border in Schengen on Saturday, Luxembourg began commemorating 40 years of the Schengen Agreement.
The town of Schengen is marking the 40th anniversary of the historic Schengen Agreement this weekend with a series of commemorative events and ceremonies.
The celebrations began on Saturday with official proceedings attended by national and international dignitaries. At 10.15am, the border barrier was ceremoniously lifted – a powerful symbol of the agreement's legacy, which laid the foundation for today's Schengen Zone. Signed on 14 June 1985, the treaty abolished internal border controls across much of Europe.
Among the honoured guests were Grand Duke Henri and Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg, alongside foreign ministers from several countries, including Bulgaria and Montenegro. The renovated Schengen Museum and the original ship where the agreement was signed were also inaugurated as part of the festivities.
During the official speeches, leaders emphasised the need to defend the principles of free movement. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and Saarland's Minister-President Anke Rehlinger both underscored the agreement's enduring importance.
Rehlinger, who currently serves as President of the German Bundesrat, addressed recent tensions, including Germany's border checks. She argued that "Schengen is not the problem" and called for "smarter solutions than border checks," a statement met with applause from the audience.
The ceremony kicked off a weekend of concerts, cultural events, and public celebrations honouring the Schengen Agreement's impact on European integration.
