Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is one of the most significant achievements in the context of European integration, representing a zone where internal border controls have been abolished. Here are key details about the Schengen Area:
History
- Agreement Signing: The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, by five of the ten European Economic Community (EEC) members—Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The agreement aimed at the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders.
- Implementation: The Schengen Implementation Agreement was signed on June 19, 1990, and came into effect in March 1995, setting out the practical steps for border control abolition.
- EU Integration: Although the Schengen Agreement was originally outside the European Union framework, it was later incorporated into EU Law through the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997.
Current Status
- Member States: As of the last update, 26 countries participate in the Schengen Area, including 22 of the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, with Ireland opting out due to its Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom, and Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania still not fully integrated due to various issues.
- Border Policies: Within the Schengen Area, there are no systematic passport controls at internal borders, although random checks can occur. External border controls are managed collectively to ensure security.
Functionality
- Free Movement: The primary aim is to allow for the free movement of people within the participating countries, enhancing economic and cultural exchanges.
- Common Visa Policy: A common visa policy exists for non-EU nationals who require visas, known as the Schengen Visa, which allows travel within the entire Schengen Area.
- Information Systems: The Schengen Area employs the Schengen Information System (SIS) to facilitate police and judicial cooperation, border control, and visa distribution.
Challenges and Developments
- Security Concerns: Events like the 2015 migrant crisis and subsequent security threats have led to temporary reintroductions of border controls by some member states.
- Future Expansion: Discussions on expanding the Schengen Area to include more EU countries or even non-EU countries like the United Kingdom post-Brexit have been ongoing.
External Links
Related Topics