Speaker:

 Mr Robert Goebbels, Negotiator and signatory of the Schengen Agreement for Luxembourg, Member of the Luxembourg Government (1984-1999) Member of the European Parliament (1999-2014)

The Schengen Area is one of the pillars of the European project. But it has been affected by several difficulties: the serious consequences of the global economic and financial crisis (2008-2018), growing concerns over external migratory pressure and the question of enlargement, fears of social dumping and, since March 2020, the COVID-19 crisis. Identifying these obstacles is vital so that pragmatic solutions can be found without jeopardising the founding principle.

To look back at the origins of the Schengen Area, discuss the current challenges and consider future prospects, the Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC) at the University of Luxembourg, in collaboration with the European Museum Schengen, the EDIC Schengen and the Centre National de l'Audiovisuel, organised the webinar "The Schengen Area under pressure: origins, challenges, prospects" on 4 June 2020.

Programme

• Introduction – Elena Danescu, Coordinator of EDIC University of Luxembourg
• Schengen…. 35 years ago” – Screening of a documentary film looking at the impact of the Schengen Agreement
• Address – Mr Robert Goebbels
• Debate with the audience
• Virtual tour of the Schengen Museum and the town of Schengen, led by Martina Kneip, Director of the Museum
• Conclusions

Video