The Schengen Area is a key part of European unity. It allows people to move freely across countries and affects how they live, work, and travel.
This freedom operates under specific rules detailed in the Schengen Agreement and further encapsulated by the Schengen Acquis. Together, these set the guidelines for how the area works, ensuring that even without border checks, countries can keep things safe and organized.
What Is the Schengen Agreement?
The Schengen Agreement, signed on June 14, 1985, is a treaty that led most European countries to abolish their national borders and build a Europe without borders known as the “Schengen Area.”
Signed in Luxemburg, initially by only five EU countries, the agreement remains one of the world’s biggest areas that have ended border control between member countries. It also laid the foundation for the introduction of the Schengen Visa, a single visa that allows travellers to move freely within this vast zone, simplifying travel.
Myth: The Schengen Agreement Allows for Unrestricted Immigration
💡 While the Schengen Agreement allows the free movement of people for short stays, it does not grant unrestricted right to work or live long-term without the proper national visa. Each member state maintains its own policies for immigration and residency beyond short stays.
A Brief History of the Schengen Agreement
Here is a brief history of the Schengen Agreement, starting from the most recent events:
- March 31, 2024. Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the Schengen Area. This means that travellers flying or sailing between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen member countries will no longer need to undergo border checks. However, land border checks are still in place for the time being.
- January 2023. Croatia officially joins the Schengen Area, overcoming concerns about immigration control.
- December 2011. Liechtenstein abolishes internal border controls three years after signing the Schengen Agreement.
- March 2009. Switzerland abolishes airport border controls.
- December 2008. Switzerland abolishes land border controls.
- February 2008. Liechtenstein becomes the 26th country to sign the Schengen Agreement.
- March 2008. Several Schengen countries have abolished airport border controls.
- December 2007. The Schengen expansion includes the abolition of land and sea border controls for new member states.
- October 2004. Switzerland and 14 other countries join the Schengen Area.
- April 2003. The Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia join the Schengen Area.
- March 2001. Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway joined, expanding the Schengen Area.
- January 2000. Greece joins the Schengen Area.
- May 1999. The Treaty of Amsterdam incorporates the Schengen Agreement into the legal framework of the European Union.
- December 1997. Austria abolishes internal border controls.
- October 1997. Italy abolishes internal border controls.
- December 1996. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden joined the Schengen Area.
- April 1995. Austria joins the Schengen Area.
- March 1995. Real implementation starts as seven member countries abolish internal border checks.
- November 1992. Greece joins the Schengen Area.
- June 1991. Portugal and Spain join the Schengen Area.
- November 1990. Italy joins the Schengen Area.
- June 1990. The Schengen Convention is signed for the concrete implementation of the Schengen Agreement.
- June 1985. The Schengen Agreement is signed by France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in Schengen, Luxembourg.
- June 1984. France and Germany propose the concept of free movement at the European Council in Fontainebleau.
Myth: The Schengen Agreement Compromises National Security
💡 The Schengen Area is one of the most secure zones in the world. It has a dedicated security system that allows member states to monitor and share information on security and border management. Temporary border controls can also be reintroduced in response to security threats.
What Is the Schengen Acquis?
The Schengen acquis, or “acquis communautaire,” refers to a set of rules and laws, including treaties, directives, court decisions, and more, that are necessary for the proper functioning of the Schengen Area.
All EU members, including candidate EU Member States, are obliged to accept the acquis.
What Is Included in the Schengen Acquis?
The acquis encompasses several aspects, some of the most important including the following
Original Schengen Agreement (1985)
- This was the foundational agreement initiated by Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Germany, and France, signed in June 1985— named after the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the signing took place.
- It marked the beginning of the Schengen cooperation, aiming to create a unified area without internal border checks.
- The Agreement emphasized the importance of free movement and collaboration on border matters.
Schengen Convention (1990) implementing the Agreement
- The Schengen Convention, signed in 1990, translated the principles of the 1985 Agreement into practical measures.
- It detailed how Schengen countries would remove internal border checks while reinforcing security at their external borders.
- This Convention set the rules and procedures for visa policies, police cooperation, and data sharing among member states.
Schengen Accession Agreements
- These agreements allowed additional European countries, such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, to become part of the Schengen Area.
- Joining the Schengen Area required these countries to adopt and adhere to the Schengen rules and standards.
- The expansion of the Schengen Area aimed to promote greater freedom of movement across Europe.
Schengen Security System
- Established to reinforce security at external borders while eliminating internal border checks.
- Part of the Schengen Convention, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Schengen Area and includes the Schengen Information System (SIS) and Visa Information System (VIS).
Myth: : All EU Countries Are Part of the Schengen Area
💡 While many EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, not all are. For example, Ireland and Cyprus are EU members but not part of the Schengen Zone. Conversely, some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area.
Which Countries Have Signed the Schengen Agreement?
29 European countries have signed and implemented the Schengen Agreement. Some countries are potential members who will sign the agreement in the future after meeting the eligibility criteria.
Which Countries Implement the Acquis?
Since the Schengen Agreement was signed over 39 years ago, 27 countries have joined the borderless area and implemented the Schengen acquis as follows:
The following EU Member States fully implement the Schengen acquis:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Austria
- Italy
- Greece
- Denmark
- Finland
- Sweden
- The Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Croatia
The following non-EU Member states fully implement the Schengen acquis:
- Iceland
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
The following EU Member States partially implement Schengen acquis due to various reasons:
- Bulgaria
- Romania
Ireland has chosen to opt out of the agreement.
Benefits of the Schengen Agreement
Some of the most important benefits of the Schengen Agreement include:
- Ease of travel. One of the most notable benefits is the ease of cross-border travel for citizens, residents, and visitors within the Schengen Zone. This way, tourism and tourism, and business activities flourish.
- Economic growth. The removal of border controls boosts trade and tourism, contributing to economic growth in the member states. Businesses operate more efficiently as goods and services move more freely across borders.
- Cultural exchange. Increased mobility encourages cultural exchange and understanding among the populations of member countries, fostering a sense of European identity and unity.
- Employment opportunities. Citizens of Schengen countries have more opportunities to work in other member states, broadening their career prospects and contributing to the labor market’s flexibility. Foreigners who possess a valid residence permit can also easily move between member states.
- Emergency response. The Schengen Agreement facilitates quicker and more coordinated responses to emergencies and natural disasters, as aid and resources can be moved rapidly across borders.
Myth: Any European Country Can Sign the Schengen Agreement as They Wish
💡 Joining the Schengen Area is not as simple as expressing a desire to sign the Agreement. Countries must meet a strict set of criteria and undergo a rigorous evaluation process before they can become part of the Schengen Zone.