The Schengen Agreement: A Historical Overview
The Schengen Agreement, signed on June 14, 1985, is a landmark agreement that revolutionized the way Europeans travel. Named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was signed, it abolished border controls among the participating countries and established a common visa policy for their citizens.
The agreement was initially signed by five countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Since then, it has been joined by 22 other European countries, including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, which are not members of the European Union.
The main objective of the Schengen Agreement was to facilitate the free movement of people and goods within the participating countries. Prior to its signing, travelers had to go through lengthy procedures to cross borders, including passport checks, visa requirements, and customs inspections. These procedures not only caused long waits and inconvenience for travelers, but also hindered economic growth and development.
The Schengen Agreement established a system in which travelers could move freely between the participating countries without border checks. It also established a common visa policy for the participating countries, meaning that citizens of these countries could travel within the Schengen Area without the need for separate visas.
One of the key features of the Schengen Agreement is the Schengen Information System (SIS), which enables law enforcement agencies in the participating countries to share information about criminal suspects, stolen property, and lost or stolen passports. The SIS has played a vital role in preventing crime and terrorism in the Schengen Area.
The Schengen Agreement has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Europeans. It has made it easier for people to travel, work, and study in other countries within the Schengen Area. It has also boosted tourism and trade between the participating countries.
However, the Schengen Agreement has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in the wake of the 2015 refugee crisis. Some countries have reintroduced border checks, citing security concerns, and there are concerns about the effectiveness of the SIS in the fight against terrorism.
Despite these challenges, the Schengen Agreement remains a landmark achievement in European integration. It has paved the way for greater cooperation and solidarity among European nations, and has demonstrated the benefits of open borders and free movement.