Schengen Area

Definition

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished their internal borders, allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the region. It is a significant example of a regional intergovernmental organization (IGO) contributing to global governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schengen Area covers most of the European Union, as well as some non-EU countries, and allows for the free movement of people across internal borders.
2. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985, and the Schengen Area was officially established in 1995 with the implementation of the agreement.
3. The Schengen Area has contributed to the integration of the European economy and has facilitated the movement of goods, services, and capital within the region.
4. The Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS) are two key components of the Schengen Area, helping to maintain security and facilitate the movement of people.
5. While the Schengen Area has generally been seen as a success, it has also faced challenges, such as the reintroduction of temporary border controls during the European migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Schengen Area contributes to the integration of the European economy.
  • The Schengen Area has significantly contributed to the integration of the European economy by eliminating internal border controls and facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the region. This has allowed businesses to operate more efficiently across borders, reduced logistical costs, and enabled the free flow of labor and investment, all of which have strengthened economic ties and integration within the European Union.
• Describe the role of the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS) in maintaining security within the Schengen Area.
  • The Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS) are crucial components of the Schengen Area that help maintain security and facilitate the movement of people. The SIS is a database that allows Schengen member countries to share information on individuals and objects, such as wanted persons or stolen vehicles, to identify potential threats and uphold the integrity of the Schengen Area. The VIS, on the other hand, enables the exchange of data on short-stay visa applications, helping to ensure that individuals entering the Schengen Area are properly identified and authorized to do so. These systems work together to balance the benefits of free movement with the need for security and control within the Schengen region.
• Analyze how the Schengen Area, as a regional intergovernmental organization (IGO), contributes to global governance.
  • The Schengen Area, as a regional IGO, contributes to global governance in several ways. First, it demonstrates the potential for countries to surrender some national sovereignty in favor of greater regional integration and cooperation, setting an example for other regions to follow. Second, the Schengen Area's policies and systems, such as the SIS and VIS, have implications for global security and the movement of people, goods, and capital, influencing international norms and standards. Third, the Schengen Area's success in facilitating economic integration and the free flow of resources within Europe has broader implications for global trade and economic cooperation. Finally, the Schengen Area's ability to adapt to challenges, such as the European migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases the potential for regional IGOs to contribute to the governance of global issues, even in the face of complex and evolving circumstances.

Related terms

Schengen Agreement: The international agreement signed in 1985 that established the Schengen Area and its policies, including the abolition of internal border controls and the creation of a common external border.

Schengen Information System (SIS): A database used by Schengen member countries to share information on individuals and objects, such as wanted persons or stolen vehicles, to maintain security within the Schengen Area.

Visa Information System (VIS): A database that allows Schengen member countries to exchange data on short-stay visa applications, helping to facilitate the movement of people within the Schengen Area.