Schengen Area

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== Schengen Area ==

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The Schengen Area was established by the Schengen Agreement in 1985 and the subsequent Schengen Convention in 1990.

History

The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, near the village of Schengen, Luxembourg, by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community (EEC). The Schengen Convention, which supplemented the agreement, was signed on June 19, 1990, and implemented in 1995. The Schengen Area has since expanded to include most European Union (EU) member states and a few non-EU countries.

Member Countries

As of 2023, the Schengen Area consists of 27 countries, including 23 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries. The non-EU countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Not all EU member states are part of the Schengen Area; notable exceptions include Ireland and Bulgaria.

Border Control and Visa Policy

Within the Schengen Area, internal border checks have largely been abolished. However, member countries retain the right to reintroduce border controls temporarily in exceptional circumstances, such as a significant threat to public policy or internal security. The Schengen visa allows for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

Cooperation and Security

The Schengen Area relies on extensive cooperation and information sharing among member countries to maintain security. The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a large-scale database used by border guards, police, and other authorities to share information on individuals and property. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) also plays a crucial role in managing the external borders of the Schengen Area.

Impact

The Schengen Area has significantly facilitated travel and commerce within Europe by eliminating the need for border checks. It has also contributed to the sense of European unity and integration. However, it has faced challenges, particularly during the European migrant crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, when several member states temporarily reinstated border controls.

Related Pages

• Schengen Agreement
• European Union
• Schengen Information System
• European Border and Coast Guard Agency
• European Economic Area
• Visa policy of the Schengen Area

See Also

• European Economic Community
• European Free Trade Association
• Common Travel Area