Schengen Agreement

Definition

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that established the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel across many European countries. This agreement facilitates the movement of people, promoting economic cooperation and integration among its member states while maintaining common border controls at external borders. It plays a crucial role in regional cooperation and has significant implications for the European Union's internal policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 in Luxembourg by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community.
2. The Schengen Area currently includes 26 countries, most of which are EU member states, but also includes non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland.
3. The implementation of the Schengen Agreement has significantly increased cross-border travel and tourism within Europe.
4. Schengen rules require member states to harmonize visa policies for third-country nationals to ensure uniformity in who can enter the area.
5. The agreement has faced challenges related to security and immigration, leading to temporary reinstatements of border controls among some member states during crises.

Review Questions

• How does the Schengen Agreement enhance regional cooperation among European countries?
  • The Schengen Agreement enhances regional cooperation by allowing for free movement across borders without passport checks among member states. This facilitates not just tourism but also trade and business, as it simplifies logistics and reduces barriers. By fostering closer ties between nations through easier access, the agreement promotes economic integration and collaboration on shared issues like security and immigration.
• Discuss the implications of the Schengen Agreement for the governance of border control in Europe.
  • The Schengen Agreement requires member states to adopt a coordinated approach to border control, creating common visa policies and regulations. While internal borders are open, external borders must be secured, leading to a system where countries work together on immigration enforcement and customs checks. This shared responsibility can help enhance security but also places pressure on individual nations during times of crisis or increased migration.
• Evaluate how the Schengen Agreement has influenced migration patterns within Europe and its relationship with non-member states.
  • The Schengen Agreement has significantly influenced migration patterns by allowing easier movement for individuals within member states while enforcing common policies for non-member states. This has led to an increase in intra-European migration as people seek work or education across borders without bureaucratic hurdles. However, it also complicates relationships with non-member states, which must navigate visa regulations and agreements to manage the flow of migrants seeking entry into the Schengen Area, often leading to bilateral discussions on border security and migration management.

Related terms

Schengen Area:

A group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, enabling free movement of people.

European Union (EU): A political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe, established to promote peace, stability, and prosperity among its members.

Border Control: Measures taken by a country to regulate the movement of people and goods across its borders, including immigration checks and customs inspections.