The Baltic Assembly stresses the need for continued cooperation regarding Schengen Agreements

On 13-14 June 2025, the Baltic Assembly attended the session of the Benelux Parliament, which focused on the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreements and the challenges it faces today. 

President of the Baltic Assembly Jānis Vucāns addressed colleagues from the Benelux Parliament by stating that even though the Schengen Area has grown to become one of the fundamental pillars of European identity, it faces new and complex challenges, which need to be addressed. For example, the threat posed by Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and migration pressures. 

He continued by highlighting that the Baltic Assembly has long prioritised preserving open borders within the EU and enhancing our regional cooperation. Together, the Baltic States have developed rapid response rules, adopted similar legislation changes and established a cross-border information exchange network. Additionally, the Baltic States have jointly taken practical steps to better protect their external borders. Last year, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania agreed to create a joint Baltic Defence Line along their eastern borders.

He called on colleagues from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg to invest in defence, emphasising that the Baltic States’ border with Russia and Belarus is not only the eastern frontier of NATO but also of the Schengen Area and concluded by stating that “as we celebrate the legacy of Schengen, let us also look ahead with a clear vision, shared purpose and mutual trust. We must continue to build a Europe where borders do not divide but connect us. Let us demonstrate that cross-border cooperation among regional parliaments can be a strong force for progress, stability and peace!”

At the meeting, the delegation of the Baltic Assembly consisted of the President of the Baltic Assembly Jānis Vucāns and Vice President Giedrius Drukteinis.

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