The name of a small village in southern Luxembourg has become synonymous with the freedom of movement associated with the European Union. The near invisibility of borders within Europe is an outcome of the Schengen agreement, celebrating 40 years this year. 29 countries are members; and some 1.7 million European residents commute to work by crossing an internal border daily.

And yet, not all is well with this key plank within EU’s freedom, security and justice policy. Symbolic political rhetoric that defends ‘border control’ is already rife in Europe. Supposedly temporary checks have become commonplace; and various governments nervous of anti-migration sentiment are considering or dabbling in tougher measures.

On Wednesday January 29, the German Parliament voted in favour of banning entry to all immigrants lacking proper documents, including asylum seekers.

These are some of the concerns discussed at the meeting held in Malta of the Core Group of a 4-year, EU-financed COST Action titled HIDDEN, that critically explores the history and practice of identity documentation, citizenship and migration in Europe.

At the two-day event, held at the UM Valletta Campus, participants reviewed the work programme of the Action and proposed various initiatives for the months ahead. The Action’s Chair is Jennifer Redmond, professor of 20th Century Irish History at Maynooth University Ireland. UM Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino  and Prof. David E. Zammit are co-chairs of two of the six working groups of this Action, dealing with ‘geography as destiny’ and ‘losing citizenship’ respectively.

More information can be obtained online.