Schengen Agreement

Definition

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that led to the creation of the Schengen Area, where 26 European countries abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This agreement facilitates free movement across member states, significantly influencing travel and trade within Europe, and it plays a crucial role in the larger context of globalization by promoting the idea of a unified European identity and economic collaboration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 in Luxembourg by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community.
2. The Schengen Area allows for passport-free travel among member states, which enhances tourism and business opportunities within Europe.
3. Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area; notable exceptions include Ireland and the UK, which maintained their own border controls.
4. The Schengen Area includes both EU and non-EU countries, such as Norway and Switzerland, demonstrating a broader approach to regional cooperation.
5. The agreement has faced challenges due to security concerns, leading to temporary reinstatement of border controls in some member countries during crises.

Review Questions

• How does the Schengen Agreement enhance globalization in Europe?
  • The Schengen Agreement enhances globalization by facilitating free movement among member states, allowing individuals to travel without passports. This ease of movement encourages tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of European unity and cooperation. By breaking down barriers, the agreement promotes economic ties and strengthens relationships between countries, aligning with globalization's emphasis on interconnectedness.
• Evaluate the implications of having non-EU countries included in the Schengen Area.
  • Including non-EU countries in the Schengen Area has significant implications for regional integration and cooperation. It allows these countries to benefit from open borders while also contributing to the collective security measures that come with shared border policies. This arrangement can enhance trade relationships and promote stability in Europe but also raises concerns about differing legal standards and immigration policies between EU and non-EU members.
• Discuss how security concerns have influenced changes in the Schengen Agreement since its inception.
  • Security concerns have profoundly influenced the Schengen Agreement, especially following events like the September 11 attacks and various terrorist incidents in Europe. These events prompted some member states to temporarily reinstate border controls to manage security risks better. The balance between maintaining open borders for travel and ensuring national security continues to be a contentious issue, leading to discussions about reforming border policies while still adhering to the core principles of the Schengen Agreement.

Related terms

European Union (EU): A political and economic union of 27 European countries that are located primarily in Europe, which allows for free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

Border Control: The measures taken by a country to monitor and regulate its borders, including the screening of individuals entering or leaving the country.

Visa Policy: Regulations that determine who can enter a country, under what conditions, and for how long, often impacting international travel and immigration.