Schengen Agreement

Definition

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel across participating countries. This agreement is a significant aspect of European integration, as it enhances the free movement of people while maintaining shared external border controls.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schengen Agreement was originally signed in 1985 by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community, paving the way for further cooperation on border control.
2. The Schengen Area now includes 26 countries, most of which are EU members, but also includes some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland.
3. While the Schengen Area promotes free movement, it also requires member states to implement strict external border controls and share information about travelers to ensure security.
4. The agreement has been subject to challenges, especially during times of crisis, such as the migrant crisis and security threats, leading some countries to temporarily reinstate border checks.
5. The Schengen Area has significantly boosted tourism and commerce within Europe by allowing for easier travel between countries without the delays associated with border checks.

Review Questions

• How does the Schengen Agreement influence the concept of national sovereignty among its member states?
  • The Schengen Agreement impacts national sovereignty by requiring member states to relinquish some control over their border policies in favor of a collective approach to managing external borders. This means that while countries within the Schengen Area can enjoy passport-free travel internally, they must coordinate efforts on border control and share security information with other member states. This collective security measure reflects a balance between maintaining national interests and promoting regional cooperation.
• Evaluate the impact of the Schengen Agreement on tourism and economic activities in Europe.
  • The Schengen Agreement has significantly enhanced tourism and economic activities across Europe by allowing individuals to move freely between member countries without the hindrance of passport checks. This ease of movement encourages more cross-border travel, leading to increased tourist spending and a boost for local economies. Businesses also benefit from a larger market access, as they can operate more efficiently without facing barriers at borders, ultimately contributing to economic growth within the region.
• Discuss the challenges faced by the Schengen Area in recent years and how these challenges might affect its future viability.
  • In recent years, the Schengen Area has faced numerous challenges, including security threats, migration crises, and public health emergencies. These issues have led some member states to temporarily reinstate border checks, raising concerns about the future viability of passport-free travel. The need for enhanced security measures might prompt discussions around reforming the Schengen rules or creating more stringent regulations for entry into the area. How member states balance national security with the principles of free movement will be crucial in determining whether the Schengen Area can continue to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Related terms

European Union:

A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe, established to foster integration and cooperation among its members.

Border Control: Measures taken by a government to regulate and monitor the movement of people and goods across its borders.

Free Movement: The principle that allows individuals to travel, reside, and work in any member state of the Schengen Area without the need for visas or passports.