The Schengen Agreement – History and the Definition

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 What is the Schengen Agreement? 

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that was signed in 1985 by five European states, with the aim of abolishing all internal border checks between the member states. It is the most far-reaching international agreement to date on freedom of movement between signatory countries, and is sometimes referred to as the Schengen Area. The Schengen Agreement has allowed citizens of signatory countries unprecedented freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, and has led to the creation of a common visa policy and a common customs territory.

The History of the Schengen Agreement 

The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by Luxembourg, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. It was named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the treaty was first drafted and signed. The original Schengen Agreement was a short, four-page document that abolished all internal border checks between the member states.

By 1997, all European Union member countries had signed the agreement, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland, who negotiated an opt-out. The Schengen Area was officially established in June 2000, when Spain, Portugal, and Austria joined the other signatories.

Since then, all European Union member countries except for Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia have signed the Agreement. Non-European Union states, such as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, have also signed the Agreement and are considered full Schengen Area members.

The Definition of the Schengen Agreement 

The Schengen Agreement is an international agreement that allows citizens of signatory states to move freely within the Schengen Area without the necessity of a visa or passport. It is one of the most far-reaching freedom of movement rights ever granted by an international agreement, and has led to many other freedoms for citizens of signatory countries. For example, it has led to a common visa policy, allowing citizens of signatory countries to travel within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa. It also has led to a common customs territory and the abolishment of internal border checks between Schengen Area countries.

The Schengen Agreement also ensures a high level of security within the Schengen Area, and all signatory states have adopted the Schengen Information System (SIS), a common database of personal information that is used to ensure the security of the Schengen Area.

The Benefits of the Schengen Agreement 

The Schengen Agreement has brought a number of benefits to its signatory countries, which can be divided into two main categories: economic and social.

Economically, the Schengen Area has benefitted from the free movement of people and goods within its borders, allowing for increased Trade and investment among its member countries. The free movement of people has also allowed the Schengen Area to become a major destination for tourism, with increased numbers of tourists from outside the Schengen Area visiting its member countries.

Socially, the Schengen Agreement has allowed its citizens unprecedented freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. It has also allowed more cultural, educational, and sporting exchanges between its member countries, leading to a greater sense of unity amongst all citizens within the Schengen Area. Additionally, the abolishment of internal border checks has led to an increased sense of security within the Schengen Area, leading to increased safety for its citizens.

The Schengen Agreement has been in place for over 30 years, and has allowed its signatory states unprecedented freedom of movement within the Schengen Area. It has also brought a number of economic and social benefits to its signatory countries, including increased trade and investment, increased tourism, and a greater sense of unity amongst all citizens within the Schengen Area. The Schengen Agreement has been a major success, and has ushered in a new era of freedom of movement and security for its citizens.

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