The Paris terror attacks have prompted growing security concerns, which ultimately challenge the continuity of the Schengen Agreement, US intelligence company Strategic Forecasting, Inc. (Stratfor) emphasizes.
"The [Paris] attacks revealed the extent to which the situation in Syria, the immigration crisis in Europe and international terrorism are interconnected. The repercussions of the attacks will be similarly far-reaching," Stratfor's analysts predict.
"The Paris attacks will seriously challenge the continuity of the Schengen Agreement, which eliminated border controls in Europe. As of Monday, the Schengen Agreement is effectively suspended in many places," Stratfor stresses.
Although the temporary introduction of border controls fit the conditions of the Schengen Agreement, Stratfor analysts warn about the clouds gathering on the horizon of a 'unified' Europe.
"The big question is whether Schengen will be formally abolished, or if countries will begin to opt out from it," Stratfor writes, adding that the ongoing refugee crisis and the recent massacre in Paris have dealt a severe blow to the concept of a "Europe without borders."
Undoubtedly, European right-wing parties will not miss the chance to strengthen nationalist sentiments across Europe in the wake of the Paris attacks. At the same time, the rise in Euroskepticism will also be felt in Europe.
"If the popular sentiment turns against Schengen, moderate governments — or, after the next electoral cycle, nationalist governments — could withdraw from the agreement," Stratfor warns.
Stratfor's analysts point to the fact that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already toughened asylum regulations in order to ensure security. Meanwhile, Poland and some other Central and Eastern European countries have rejected the EC's plan.
Despite its growing displeasure, "Brussels will be too weak to introduce sanctions against the countries that choose not to participate in the plan," Stratfor remarks.
Seemingly, the concept of Europe "without borders" is falling apart at the seams.
"The Paris attacks will accelerate some processes that were already underway in Europe, such as resistance to migration and criticism of the Schengen Agreement," Stratfor concludes.
