Schengen Agreement

Definition

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that led to the creation of the Schengen Area, allowing for passport-free travel between participating European countries. It was signed in 1985 near the village of Schengen in Luxembourg and represents a significant step towards greater integration within Europe, facilitating the movement of people across borders without the need for routine border checks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schengen Agreement was established to enhance cooperation between European nations by simplifying cross-border travel for citizens and residents.
2. Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area; notable exceptions include Ireland, which maintains its own border controls.
3. The Schengen Area comprises 26 countries, including both EU member states and some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland.
4. The agreement has been subject to challenges, especially regarding security concerns and immigration policies, leading to temporary reintroductions of border controls by some member states.
5. The Schengen Agreement plays a crucial role in shaping the UK's approach to immigration and border policies, particularly following Brexit.

Review Questions

• How did the Schengen Agreement impact the movement of people across Europe?
  • The Schengen Agreement significantly transformed how people travel in Europe by removing routine border checks between participating countries. This allowed individuals to move freely across borders for tourism, work, or family visits without undergoing extensive security procedures. The ease of movement has fostered greater connectivity and integration among European nations, though it also raised discussions about security and immigration policies.
• Evaluate the implications of the UK not being a part of the Schengen Agreement post-Brexit.
  • The UK's decision to remain outside the Schengen Agreement after Brexit means that it retains control over its own border policies, allowing it to set stricter immigration controls compared to Schengen countries. This separation can lead to complexities in travel for UK citizens, as they will face different visa requirements when visiting Schengen Area countries. Furthermore, it emphasizes the UK's focus on sovereignty in immigration matters while potentially limiting some of the freedoms enjoyed by EU citizens within the Schengen framework.
• Assess the future challenges that the Schengen Agreement may face considering current geopolitical trends.
  • The future of the Schengen Agreement may be challenged by ongoing geopolitical issues such as rising nationalism, increased security concerns due to terrorism, and migration crises resulting from conflicts. These factors could lead member states to reconsider their commitments to free movement in favor of reinstating border controls to address perceived threats. The balance between maintaining open borders for economic and social benefits while ensuring national security will be a critical issue for the continued viability of the Schengen Area in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Related terms

Schengen Area: The group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free movement of people.

EU Freedom of Movement: A principle within the European Union that allows citizens of EU member states to live, work, and travel freely across member countries.

Border Control: The measures and regulations implemented by countries to monitor and manage the movement of people and goods across their borders.