The nearly 40-year-old treaty that established the border-free travel zone in Europe is under strain as countries like Austria, France, and Germany increasingly flout its rules. 

While several countries have been criticised for reintroducing controls at their borders, German politicians are now advocating tighter checks at the borders with Poland and Czechia - measures that could be beefed up if the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is currently leading the polls, wins regional elections in eastern Germany this weekend.

In this episode, host Giada Santana and Euractiv's energy and environment reporter Niko Kurmayer explore Schengen's uncertain future and Germany's pivotal role in shaping it.