Re-bordering Schengen? Explaining the spatial patterns of border control measures

This article examines the temporary reintroduction of internal border controls within the Schengen area and its implications for spatial and political integration. While European cross-border integration has intensified over recent decades, recent crises, most notably the migration crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, have exposed the vulnerability of a ‘borderless’ Europe. The study addresses two research questions: How can temporary border controls be categorised from thematic, spatial, and temporal perspectives? How can the observed spatial patterns be explained in relation to political dynamics and officially stated justifications? Empirically, the analysis draws on European Commission data covering the period 2006–2025 and examines border control measures across all Schengen border pairs. Border permeability is operationalised through the number of days with temporary controls and their formal reasons. The findings reveal a clear increase in the frequency of border controls over time, accompanied by strong spatial differentiation across Europe. Asymmetric patterns, where controls are introduced unilaterally or persist longer in one country, are more common than symmetric ones. These asymmetries are closely linked to uneven levels of policy integration, particularly in fields such as migration and health. Uncoordinated national responses to crises tend to produce spatially uneven re-bordering dynamics. These findings highlight the interdependence of policy domains and underline the limits of existing cross-border governance mechanisms. Overall, the study contributes to the literature by conceptualising border pairs as analytical units and by demonstrating how political asymmetries translate into spatial patterns, with significant implications for cross-border cooperation and European cohesion.