The Schengen Agreement marked a significant milestone in the European Integration and paved the way for the establishment of the European Union (EU). The Schengen Agreement remains a key pillar of European integration and an important achievement in promoting freedom, security, and prosperity in the region. Since then, citizens of Schengen countries can freely cross the internal borders of all Member States without being subjected to passport checks.
A Brief History of the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement is a historic treaty signed on June 14, 1985, in the small Luxembourgish town of Schengen. The agreement abolished border control between the participating countries and allowed for the free movement of people within the Schengen Area.
The original signatories of the agreement were five of the ten member states of the then-European Economic Community (EEC): Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The agreement was named after the town of Schengen, where the ceremony took place. Over the years, additional countries have joined the agreement, and today the Schengen Area includes 29 European Countries.
The five founding members work closely together to create a framework for the free movement of people, goods, and services within the Schengen Area. They established common rules and procedures for border control, visa policy, and police cooperation. Today, the Schengen Agreement continues to play a vital role in European integration, allowing for the free movement of people and goods within the Schengen Area.
Participating Countries in the Schengen Area
Since 1985, several states have joined Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in the Schengen Area. The list of the current Schengen Area countries and the dates when they joined the agreement are the following:
| Austria | 28 April 1995 |
| Belgium | 1985 |
| Bulgaria | 31 March 2024 |
| Czech Republic | 21 December 2007 |
| Denmark | 19 December 1996 |
| Estonia | 21 December 2007 |
| Finland | 19 December 1996 |
| France | 1985 |
| Greece | 6 November 1992 |
| Germany | 1985 |
| Hungary | 21 December 2007 |
| Iceland (non-EU member state) | 19 December 1996 |
| Italy | 27 November 1990 |
| Latvia | 21 December 2007 |
| Liechtenstein (non-EU member state) | 19 December 2011 |
| Luxembourg | 1985 |
| Lithuania | 21 December 2007 |
| Malta | 21 December 2007 |
| Norway | 19 December 1996 |
| The Netherlands | 1985 |
| Poland | 21 December 2007 |
| Portugal | 25 June 1991 |
| Romania | 31 March 2024 |
| Slovakia | 21 December 2007 |
| Slovenia | 21 December 2007 |
| Spain | 25 June 1991 |
| Sweden | 19 December 1996 |
| Switzerland (non-EU member state) | 2004 |
Benefits of the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement, which established a borderless zone among participating countries, has had a significant impact on both travellers and member countries. Benefits include:
- Passport-free travel. The Schengen Agreement allows for passport-free travel among all Member States of the Schengen Area. It has given the opportunity to more than 400 million people to move across borders without having to undergo identity checks. All citizens of the participating countries can freely enter any country that they wish in the Schengen Zone for business purposes, to visit friends and family, work, study, or live wherever they wish.
- Increased tourism. Passport-free travel and reduced border controls have made it easier for tourists to explore multiple countries in one trip, contributing to increased tourism and economic growth. As a result, The Schengen Area has become a popular tourist destination due to its ease of travel and diverse cultural offerings.
- Improved security cooperation. The Schengen Agreement has encouraged greater cooperation among all Member States in the areas of security and law enforcement. The exchange of information and joint efforts to combat crime and terrorism have made the Schengen Area a safer place for both residents and visitors.
- Economic benefits. The Schengen Agreement has made it easier for businesses to operate across borders, leading to increased trade and economic growth.
The Schengen Agreement has had a positive impact on both travelers and member countries, promoting greater freedom of movement among millions of citizens of the Member States. It remains an important symbol of European unity and cooperation.
The Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows travellers to enter and move freely within the Schengen Area. The application process for a Schengen Visa is rather straightforward and simple, and a single visa will allow you to visit all 27 Schengen member states. So if you want to visit, let’s say, France, and Austria, you do not need to apply for three separate visas.
Schengen Area Enlargement Plans and the Future of the Schengen Area
There are several countries that have expressed interest in joining the Schengen Area, including some that are currently EU candidates or potential candidates. These countries must meet certain criteria to be considered for Schengen Area membership. Criteria for countries to join the Schengen Area include:
- Applying common Schengen rules. They are otherwise known as the common set of Schengen rules or “Schengen acquis”. This includes controls of land, sea, and air borders (airports), issuing of visas, police cooperation, and security of personal data.
- Demonstrating the ability to control their external borders. This includes issuing uniform Schengen visas as well.
- Implementing effective visa and immigration policies and cooperating with law enforcement and security authorities.
- Use the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Some countries, such as Serbia and Montenegro, have also expressed interest in joining the Schengen Area, although they are not yet official candidates.
The future of the Schengen Agreement is difficult to predict, but it will likely continue to evolve in response to the security and mobility of EU citizens. Some experts have speculated that the recent influx of refugees and migrants to Europe may lead to a tightening of border controls and a potential rethinking of the Schengen Agreement. However, others argue that the Schengen Area is a vital part of European integration and that any changes should be focused on strengthening cooperation and improving security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Schengen Area Country Leave or Be Expelled From the Agreement?
Yes, it is possible for a country to leave or be expelled from the agreement. However, the Schengen Agreement does not have any established procedures for expulsion. If a country is found to have seriously violated the Schengen Agreement’s provisions, other member states may decide to suspend or terminate its membership.
Member States, although, can choose to leave the agreement voluntarily. This can have serious economic and political consequences for the country’s relationship with the rest of Europe.
What Role Does the Schengen Information System (SIS) Play in Maintaining the Security of the Schengen Area?
Since being implemented in 1195, The Schengen Information System (SIS) has been the most widely used sharing system for security and border management in Europe. Considering that there are no internal borders between the Member States, the Schengen Information System is responsible for identifying and preventing security threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and illegal migration.
National authorities, including border guards and police, have the ability to access and review alerts related to individuals and objects in a common database. SIS is continuously renewed with new alerts, upgraded data, and improved functionalities.