What is the Schengen Agreement?

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area, a zone where internal border checks have been largely abolished. Signed on June 14, 1985, near Schengen, Luxembourg, it was initially agreed upon by five member states of the European Economic Community. The agreement's core aim was to gradually remove checks at the signatories' common borders, introducing measures like reduced-speed vehicle checks and harmonized visa policies.

Where and when was the Schengen Agreement signed?

The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg. This location is situated at the tripoint between France, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Which countries were the original signatories of the Schengen Agreement?

The original signatories of the Schengen Agreement were five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community at the time: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.

What was the primary goal of the Schengen Agreement?

The primary goal of the Schengen Agreement was to gradually abolish checks at the common borders of the signatory states. It aimed to facilitate free movement of people by reducing or eliminating border controls.

What measures did the Schengen Agreement propose to achieve its goal?

The Schengen Agreement proposed several measures, including reduced-speed vehicle checks that allowed vehicles to cross borders without stopping, granting residents in border areas freedom to cross borders away from fixed checkpoints, and harmonizing visa policies among the signatory nations.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone created by the Schengen Agreement and subsequent related treaties, where internal border checks have been largely abolished. It functions similarly to a single state for international travel purposes, featuring common external border controls and visa policies, but allowing free movement within its internal borders.

How did the Schengen Convention of 1990 relate to the original Agreement?

The Schengen Convention, signed in 1990, supplemented the original Schengen Agreement. It proposed the complete abolition of systematic internal border controls and the establishment of a common visa policy, thereby creating the framework for the modern Schengen Area.

What is the current size and population of the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area currently includes 29 European countries, covering a population of over 450 million people and an area of approximately 4,595,131 square kilometers (1,774,190 sq mi).

When were the Schengen treaties incorporated into European Union law?

The Schengen treaties and the rules derived from them were incorporated into European Union law in 1999 through the Amsterdam Treaty.

Which EU member states initially had opt-outs from the Schengen Area?

Ireland and the United Kingdom were the two EU member states that initially maintained opt-outs from the Schengen Area. The United Kingdom has since withdrawn from the EU.

What is the status of the Schengen Agreement within EU law today?

Since its incorporation into EU law via the Amsterdam Treaty, the Schengen Agreement has lost its status as an independent treaty for EU members. Amendments and updates to Schengen rules now follow the legislative procedures of the EU.

Can non-EU countries be part of the Schengen Area?

Yes, several non-EU countries are included in the Schengen Area through special association agreements. Examples include Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.

What was the situation regarding border controls within the European Economic Community before the Schengen Agreement?

Before the Schengen Agreement, free movement of people was a core principle of the Treaty of Rome, allowing travel between member states with passports or identity cards. However, systematic identity controls were still maintained at most internal borders between member states.

What role did the Benelux countries play in the lead-up to the Schengen Agreement?

Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, already part of the Benelux Economic Union, had previously abolished common border controls among themselves. This existing arrangement facilitated their participation in the broader Schengen Agreement.

What does the image of signatures on parchment depict?

The image displays the signatures on parchment from the Schengen Agreement, which were officially signed on June 14, 1985. This event marked the initial step towards creating the Schengen Area by abolishing internal border checks.

What is the significance of the MS Princesse Marie-Astrid ship in relation to the Schengen Agreement?

The Schengen Agreement was signed aboard the MS Princesse Marie-Astrid ship on the river Moselle, near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg.

How did the Schengen Area become fully operational?

The Schengen Agreement was initially implemented gradually. The Schengen Convention in 1990 further detailed the abolition of border controls and common visa policies. The Agreement and Convention were enacted in 1995, and the Schengen Area continued to expand and integrate over the following years.

What are the implications for new EU member states regarding the Schengen Area?

New EU member states are legally obliged to join the Schengen Area once the necessary technical requirements are met, as it is a core part of EU law. They do not sign the original Schengen Agreement but must implement the Schengen rules as part of the existing EU legal framework.

What challenges do non-EU Schengen member states face in influencing Schengen rules?

Non-EU Schengen member states have limited formal influence on the development of Schengen rules, primarily being able to agree or withdraw. While consultations occur before new legislation, they do not participate in voting on these measures.

Under what circumstances have border controls been temporarily reintroduced in the Schengen Area?

Border controls have been temporarily reintroduced in the Schengen Area due to specific events or crises. Examples include the European migrant crisis in 2016, major events like the UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2010 Lisbon summit in Portugal, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Which countries reintroduced border controls in response to the European migrant crisis in 2016?

In 2016, seven Schengen countries temporarily reintroduced border controls in response to the European migrant crisis. These countries were Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

When was Croatia admitted to the Schengen Area?

Croatia was admitted to the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, following a vote by the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 8, 2022.

What was the timeline for Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen Area?

Bulgaria and Romania were partially included in the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024, with air and maritime border checks lifted. Full membership, including the lifting of land border checks, was decided on December 12, 2024, effective January 1, 2025.

What is the purpose of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an initiative by the European Union, planned for implementation in 2025, to enhance border security. It will electronically register entry and exit data for non-EU nationals crossing the external borders of Schengen member states, replacing manual passport stamping and improving the tracking of over-stayers.

What does the map titled 'Schengen Area participation' illustrate?

The map illustrates the participation status of various European countries in the Schengen Area. It uses different colors to distinguish between EU member states participating, those obliged to join, those with opt-outs, non-EU member states participating, de facto participating non-EU states, and non-EU states with open borders.

What does the image of a simple sign between Spain and Portugal signify?

The image shows a simple sign marking the Schengen border between Spain and Portugal. This signifies the absence of routine border checks between these two Schengen member states, reflecting the free movement principle.

What is the role of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg regarding the Schengen Agreement?

The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg serves as the depositary for the Schengen Agreement. This means it holds the official copy and is responsible for related administrative functions concerning the treaty.

What does the term Schengen Area refer to in practice?

In practice, the Schengen Area operates as a single state for international travel. It means that travelers entering the area face checks only at the external borders, while internal borders between member countries have no systematic checks, allowing for free movement.

How did the Schengen Agreement differ from the earlier free movement provisions in the Treaty of Rome?

While the Treaty of Rome established the principle of free movement, systematic border checks persisted between many member states. The Schengen Agreement aimed to actively abolish these checks, going beyond the initial provisions by proposing concrete measures for borderless travel.

What is the significance of the 'Schengen acquis'?

The Schengen acquis refers to the body of Schengen rules, including the original Agreement, the Convention, and subsequent legal acts. Its incorporation into EU law means these rules are now an integral part of the European Union's legal framework governing border controls and visas.

What was the reason for the Schengen Agreement being signed independently of the European Union initially?

The Schengen Agreement was initially signed independently of the European Union due to a lack of consensus among EU member states regarding the EU's jurisdiction over abolishing border controls. Furthermore, the founding states did not want to wait for broader agreement, utilizing an early form of enhanced cooperation.

What does the reference to 'reduced-speed vehicle checks' imply in the context of the Schengen Agreement?

Reduced-speed vehicle checks were a measure proposed by the Schengen Agreement to facilitate border crossings. Instead of full stops, vehicles would slow down for visual surveillance, allowing for quicker passage across borders.

What is the relationship between the Schengen Area and the European Union?

The Schengen Area is now a core component of the European Union. While initially separate, the Schengen acquis was integrated into EU law via the Amsterdam Treaty, and most EU member states are part of the Schengen Area, with obligations to join if they haven't already.

What are the implications of the Schengen Area for international travel?

For international travel purposes, the Schengen Area functions as a single jurisdiction. Travelers entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country will typically undergo checks at their first point of entry, and then can travel freely within the area without further border checks.

What does the term 'opt-out' mean in the context of the Schengen Area?

An 'opt-out' means a country, typically an EU member state, is not required to participate in the Schengen Area or implement its rules. Ireland and the UK initially had such opt-outs, allowing them to maintain their own border policies.

How has the legal status of the Schengen Agreement changed over time?

Initially a treaty between signatory states, the Schengen Agreement's rules (the Schengen acquis) were incorporated into European Union law. This means it is now governed by EU legislative procedures rather than the original treaty amendment process.

What is the function of eu-LISA in relation to the Schengen Area?

While not explicitly detailed in this text, eu-LISA is the European Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. It is responsible for managing the IT systems that support the Schengen Area, such as the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES).

What are some examples of related border control agreements mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section lists related agreements such as the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement and the Prüm Convention, indicating that similar concepts of border cooperation exist in other regions or contexts.

What is the significance of the Wikipedia 'sister projects' links for the Schengen Agreement article?

The sister projects links provide access to related resources on other Wikimedia platforms. For the Schengen Agreement, these include definitions on Wiktionary, media files on Commons, news on Wikinews, quotations on Wikiquote, original texts on Wikisource, and educational materials on Wikibooks and Wikiversity.

What does the reference to the 'Schengen Acquis' on EUR-Lex signify?

The reference to the Schengen Acquis on EUR-Lex signifies that the official consolidated legal texts governing the Schengen Area are available through the European Union's official legal database, EUR-Lex.

What was the purpose of the 2016 reintroduction of border controls in seven Schengen countries?

The reintroduction of border controls in seven Schengen countries in 2016 was a response to the challenges posed by the European migrant crisis, aiming to manage the influx of migrants and enhance security.

What is the role of the European Commission regarding the Schengen Area?

The European Commission plays a central role in managing and overseeing the Schengen Area. It is responsible for proposing legislation, ensuring the correct application of Schengen rules, and managing related IT systems and agencies like eu-LISA.

How does the Schengen Area impact daily life for residents in border regions?

For residents in border regions within the Schengen Area, the abolition of internal border checks means they can cross borders freely without routine stops or passport checks, facilitating commuting, cross-border shopping, and social interactions.

What is the difference between the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Agreement is the treaty signed in 1985 that initiated the process of abolishing border controls. The Schengen Area is the resulting zone where these borderless travel principles are applied, encompassing multiple countries and governed by a body of law known as the Schengen acquis.

What does the term 'acquis communautaire' mean in relation to Schengen?

The term 'acquis communautaire' refers to the accumulated body of EU law and treaties. When the Schengen rules were incorporated into EU law, they became part of this acquis, meaning they are binding on EU member states.

What is the significance of the 'official journal' in the context of Schengen rules?

The 'Official Journal of the European Union' is where legal acts, including those related to the Schengen acquis, are published. This ensures transparency and official promulgation of the rules governing the Schengen Area.

What does the reference to 'enhanced cooperation' suggest about the formation of the Schengen Agreement?

The mention of 'enhanced cooperation' suggests that the Schengen Agreement was formed by a group of countries willing to move forward on border abolition without waiting for all potential participants, indicating a flexible approach to integration.

What is the purpose of the Schengen Information System (SIS)?

The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a crucial database used by Schengen member states to share information on individuals and objects, aiding in border control, law enforcement, and judicial cooperation. It helps maintain security within the area by allowing authorities to check for alerts related to wanted persons, missing persons, or stolen items.

How does the Schengen Area relate to the concept of 'Fortress Europe'?

The term 'Fortress Europe' often refers to the Schengen Area's strong external border controls, which aim to prevent irregular immigration into the zone. While internal borders are open, the external borders are managed collectively with common policies.

What is the significance of the Amsterdam Treaty in the history of the Schengen Agreement?

The Amsterdam Treaty, signed in 1997 and effective in 1999, was significant because it formally incorporated the Schengen acquis into the legal framework of the European Union. This integration solidified the Schengen Area's status within EU law and policy.

What does the 'Schengen Area Countries List' reference point to?

The reference to the 'Schengen Area Countries List' points to a resource that provides an up-to-date list of all countries that are currently part of the Schengen Zone, which is essential for understanding the geographical scope of the agreement.

Schengen Agreement Wiki: The Schengen Accord: Navigating Europe's Open Borders

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Understanding the Schengen Agreement

Foundational Treaty

The Schengen Agreement, formally titled "Agreement between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders," was signed on June 14, 1985. It initiated the process of creating the Schengen Area, a zone of unprecedented internal borderless travel across signatory nations.

Core Objective: Free Movement

The primary aim was to abolish systematic checks at common borders, facilitating the free movement of people. This was achieved through measures such as reduced-speed vehicle checks, visual surveillance of traffic, and the eventual harmonization of visa policies, creating a unified zone for international travel.

Evolution into EU Law

Initially operating independently of the European Union, the Schengen framework was integrated into EU law via the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1999. This move solidified its status as a cornerstone of European integration, though specific opt-outs were provided for certain member states.

Historical Trajectory

Early Seeds of Integration

The concept of free movement was embedded in the foundational Treaty of Rome. However, practical implementation faced political hurdles. The Schengen Agreement emerged from a desire by five founding states (Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and West Germany) to bypass these impasses and establish borderless travel.

The Schengen Convention

Building upon the 1985 Agreement, the Schengen Convention of 1990 was established. This crucial supplement proposed the complete abolition of internal border controls and introduced a common visa policy, laying the groundwork for the operational Schengen Area.

The Convention detailed the mechanisms for achieving borderless travel, including provisions for police and judicial cooperation, and the establishment of a common visa policy. It aimed to create a seamless zone for citizens and visitors alike.

Expansion and Association

The Schengen framework expanded beyond the initial signatories. Non-EU countries like Norway and Iceland became associated through agreements, demonstrating the accord's broader European appeal. Switzerland later joined following a popular referendum, further extending the zone's reach.

The Schengen Area Today

Geographic Scope

The Schengen Area currently encompasses 29 European countries. This vast zone covers approximately 4.6 million square kilometers and serves a population exceeding 450 million people, facilitating seamless travel across diverse national landscapes.

Operational Principles

For international travel purposes, the Schengen Area functions akin to a single jurisdiction. It maintains common rules for external border controls and visa policies, while internal borders are largely free of systematic checks, enabling significant freedom of movement for residents and visitors.

Policy Harmonization

Common Visa Policy

A critical component of Schengen is the harmonization of visa policies. This ensures that a visa issued by one member state is generally valid for travel throughout the entire Schengen Area, simplifying international travel for non-EU citizens.

Security and Cooperation

Beyond border control, the Schengen framework fosters enhanced police and judicial cooperation among member states. This collaboration is vital for maintaining security within the zone, particularly in the absence of internal border checks.

Member States

EU Members

Most European Union member states participate in the Schengen Area. Those that do not are Ireland (with an opt-out) and Cyprus (which is legally obliged to join but has not yet met the technical requirements).

Non-EU Participants

Several non-EU countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are associated with the Schengen Area through specific agreements. This demonstrates the accord's influence extending beyond formal EU membership.

Contemporary Dynamics

Temporary Border Reintroductions

In response to significant challenges such as the European migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, several Schengen member states have temporarily reintroduced border controls. These measures are typically implemented under specific provisions within the Schengen framework to address exceptional circumstances.

Recent Accessions and Future Systems

The Schengen Area continues to evolve. Croatia fully joined on January 1, 2023. Bulgaria and Romania are progressively integrating, with air and maritime borders removed in March 2024 and land borders set to follow in 2025. Furthermore, the forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to enhance external border security through electronic registration of non-EU nationals.

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References

Respectively Articles 2, 6 and 7 of the Schengen Agreement, EUR-Lex; accessed 27 January 2016.

Allen M. (March 2009). Switzerland's Schengen entry finally complete. swissinfo.ch; retrieved 14 June 2013.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Schengen Agreement Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for academic understanding and not as a substitute for official documentation or expert consultation.

This is not official travel advice. Information regarding border controls, visa policies, and travel regulations can change. Always consult official government and European Union sources for the most current and accurate information before planning any travel.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The Schengen Accord

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Understanding the Schengen Agreement ℹ️

📜 Foundational Treaty

🌐 Core Objective: Free Movement

🤝 Evolution into EU Law

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🌱 Early Seeds of Integration

✍️ The Schengen Convention

🌍 Expansion and Association

The Schengen Area Today 📍

🗺️ Geographic Scope

🛂 Operational Principles

Policy Harmonization ⚖️

✈️ Common Visa Policy

👮 Security and Cooperation

Member States 👥

🇪🇺 EU Members

🌍 Non-EU Participants

Contemporary Dynamics 🔄

🚨 Temporary Border Reintroductions

🚀 Recent Accessions and Future Systems

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding the Schengen Agreement

Foundational Treaty

Core Objective: Free Movement

Evolution into EU Law

Historical Trajectory

Early Seeds of Integration

The Schengen Convention

Expansion and Association

The Schengen Area Today

Geographic Scope

Operational Principles

Policy Harmonization

Common Visa Policy

Security and Cooperation

Member States

EU Members

Non-EU Participants

Contemporary Dynamics

Temporary Border Reintroductions

Recent Accessions and Future Systems

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice