GEW Reports and Analyses

Fragments of Former European Unity

GEW Editorial

Is this the beginning of the collapse of the Schengen Agreement?

Eleven European countries have chosen to reinstate border controls, marking a poignant shift in the continent’s political landscape. This decision emerges from a deep-seated fear within the European Union, stemming from the perception that it betrayed its moral compass by aligning with the Israeli government during the tragic events in Gaza, resulting in the indiscriminate loss of innocent lives.

The fracture of the Schengen Area, once lauded as a symbol of unity and freedom of movement within Europe, is a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by the EU. This decision is driven by a pervasive apprehension of the potential consequences as the EU now grapples with the fear of retribution from those who rightfully perceive themselves as wronged.

The European Union’s initial support for the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza sowed discord and disillusionment among its member states. This blind alignment with the policies that led to mass killings of innocent civilians shattered the trust that underpinned the Union’s vision for a cohesive and inclusive Europe.

The reinstatement of border controls by eleven nations indicates a sense of self-preservation and a growing distrust in the EU’s ability to uphold justice and fairness. The fear of revenge from those aggrieved by the EU’s decisions casts a long shadow over the Union’s future, overshadowing its aspirations for peace and unity.

While the EU may have believed that aligning with the Israeli government was a strategic move, it undermined its own moral authority and abandoned its core principles of promoting human rights and protecting innocent lives. The consequences of this misstep have been profound, culminating in the reemergence of national borders within Europe.

Fragments of Unity serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the repercussions of compromising moral integrity for political expediency. It serves to remind us that the choices made by those in power can disrupt the delicate fabric of unity, leading to the erosion of trust among nations and the resurgence of borders. Ultimately, it emphasises the pressing need for a principled approach to global affairs, where justice, compassion, and diplomacy reign supreme.

As Europe adjusts to this new reality, the path to reconciliation must involve an honest reckoning with past mistakes, a genuine commitment to upholding human rights, and a renewed dedication to restoring trust among nations. Only through sincere introspection and collective action can the EU transcend the fractures that threaten to divide it, and once again embody the spirit of unity and harmony it aspired to achieve.