Schengen Agreement

What is the Schengen Agreement?

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed in 1985 between several European countries that aimed to create a zone of free movement for people and goods across their borders. It takes its name from the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was signed.

Under the Schengen Agreement, citizens of member countries can travel without passports or border checks within the Schengen area. This area comprises of 27 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Schengen Agreement has greatly facilitated trade and tourism within Europe, as well as enabled European citizens to travel and work in other member countries without restrictions. However, it has also been criticized for allowing unregulated movement of people, which has raised concerns about security and illegal immigration.

History of the Schengen Agreement

The Schengen Agreement is one of the most significant agreements in the history of the European Union. It represents the idea of a united Europe without borders, where citizens of different countries can travel freely without being subject to border controls. In this article, we will explore the history of the Schengen Agreement and its impact on Europe.

The concept of free movement between European countries can be traced back to the Middle Ages. However, in modern times, the idea gained more traction after Europe suffered the devastation resulting from World War II. Concrete actions in this regard only took place during the 1980s, as Europe was stuck in an ongoing debate between two opposing factions: one that supported the idea of a free Europe with no internal border checks among countries, and the other that was absolutely against it.

The following is a brief timeline of the Schengen Agreement’s history:

• In 1985, the Schengen Agreement was signed in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community (EEC).
• The original signatories were Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
• The Schengen Agreement aimed to abolish border checks between the participating countries and allowed free movement of people, goods, and services.
• In 1990, the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement was signed, which established the legal framework and procedures for implementing the agreement.
• The Schengen Area was officially established in 1995, comprising seven member states.
• The Schengen Area expanded to include more member states over the years, with the most recent addition being Croatia in 2023.
• The Schengen Agreement has had a significant impact on travel and trade within the participating countries, promoting greater integration and economic growth.
• The Schengen Agreement has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with the increased flow of refugees and migrants, leading to some member states reintroducing border controls.
• Despite these challenges, the Schengen Agreement remains a significant achievement in European integration and continues to shape the movement of people, goods, and services in the region.

Despite its success, the Schengen Agreement has faced several challenges. One of the most significant issues has been the management of external borders. As a result, EU member states have introduced several measures, such as the creation of a European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to ensure the effective management of external borders.

Another challenge has been the increase in terrorist attacks in Europe. This has led to calls for greater security measures within the Schengen Area, such as the introduction of systematic checks of travelers’ identities at external borders.

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement represents a significant milestone in the history of the European Union. It has facilitated the free movement of people, goods, and services between EU member states, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the EU. Despite its challenges, the Schengen Agreement remains a symbol of a united Europe, where people can travel freely without being subject to border controls.

Schengen States Territories that are not part of the Schengen

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, is a treaty between European countries that eliminates internal border controls and enables the free movement of people and goods within the Schengen Area. While the majority of the countries in the European Union are also part of the Schengen Agreement, there are some territories within these countries that are not included in the Schengen Area. These territories are known as “Schengen States Territories that are not part of the Schengen.”

The Schengen Area consists of 27 countries, including 22 EU member states and four non-EU members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The area covers most of the EU, except for some countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. The Schengen Agreement allows for the free movement of people and goods between these countries without the need for internal border checks.

However, there are some territories within the Schengen countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. These territories have special statuses, and their exclusion from the Schengen Agreement is due to a variety of historical, geographical, and political reasons.

For example, the French territories of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion are not part of the Schengen Area. Similarly, the Dutch territories of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, as well as the Danish territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, are also not included in the Schengen Area.

One of the main reasons why these territories are not included in the Schengen Agreement is their location outside of mainland Europe. Some of these territories are located in the Caribbean, while others are in the Indian Ocean or the North Atlantic. As a result, it is more difficult to implement the same level of border controls and security measures in these territories as in mainland Europe.

Another reason why some territories are not part of the Schengen Area is due to their political status. For example, Greenland, which is part of Denmark, has a separate political status within the Danish Realm and is not considered part of the European Union. Similarly, the French overseas territories are legally considered an integral part of France but have a separate political and economic status.

Despite their exclusion from the Schengen Agreement, these territories still have some level of cooperation and integration with the EU and the Schengen Area. For example, the French territories have a special status within the EU called “Outermost Regions,” which grants them certain economic advantages and additional EU funding. Similarly, the Dutch territories are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and have a special status within the EU called “Overseas Countries and Territories.”

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement has allowed for the free movement of people and goods within the Schengen Area, covering most of the EU and four non-EU members. However, there are some territories within these countries that are not included in the Schengen Area due to historical, geographical, and political reasons. Despite their exclusion, these territories still have some level of cooperation and integration with the EU and the Schengen Area, highlighting the complexities of European political and territorial arrangements

FAQ on Schengen Agreement

Which countries are part of the Schengen Agreement?

There are currently 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area, including most EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Do I need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area?

If you are a citizen of one of the Schengen member countries, you do not need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area. However, if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa before you can enter the Schengen Area.

Can Schengen countries reintroduce border controls?

Yes, Schengen countries can reintroduce temporary border controls in certain circumstances, such as in response to a terrorist threat or a surge in migration. However, such controls can only be implemented for a limited period and must be justified by specific reasons.

How does the Schengen Agreement impact immigration and asylum policies?

The Schengen Agreement only affects border controls between member countries. Each member country retains its own immigration and asylum policies, although there are certain common rules and standards that all member countries must follow.

Are there any countries that are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area?

Yes, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area. However, the accession process can be lengthy and is subject to strict conditions, including compliance with Schengen rules and standards on border control, security, and data protection.

When did Croatia join the Schengen Agreement?

Croatia officially became a member of the Schengen Area in January 2023.

What were the concerns regarding Croatia’s membership in the Schengen Area?

Some Member States had concerns about illegal immigrants entering through Croatia, which delayed Croatia’s membership for a few years. However, after consideration, Croatia was finally allowed to join in 2023.