De Schengen zone is in an area Europe in which 27 countries have abolished their internal borders to allow the free movement of people and goods. This concept, which has become the symbol of European unification, has developed considerably since its creation in 1985. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, origins, present and future of the Schengen zone.
From 27 Schengen countries which are part of the Schengen area are: Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Croatia .
Purpose and benefits of Schengen
Millions of people cross an internal EU border every day. Free movement offers different rights to different groups of people, ranging from tourists to families.
All EU citizens can with a valid passport or identity card to stay in another EU country as a tourist for a maximum of three months. In addition, they have the right to live in another EU country for work and enjoy the same treatment as the citizens of that country.
Entrepreneurs benefit from the freedom of establishment, which makes it easier for them to set up and expand their business in other EU countries. Students have the right to study in any EU country, giving them access to a wide range of educational institutions and study opportunities.
Closing the EU's internal borders would entail significant costs and hamper the cross-border commuting of 1,7 million people. Maintaining open internal borders is therefore very important to support everyday life and economic cooperation in the EU.
History and origin of Schengen zone
The Schengen zone is named after the Luxembourg village of Schengen, where the Schengen Agreement was signed on 14 June 1985 by five of the then ten European Economic Community (EEC) member states: Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The agreement, which entered into force on March 26, 1995, aimed to abolish internal borders between the signatory countries and create a common external border policy. This would promote the free movement of people and goods and contribute to economic growth and integration.
Since its creation, the Schengen Area has steadily expanded, with new members from both the European Union (EU) and beyond. In 1997, the Schengen Agreement was integrated into EU law by the Treaty of Amsterdam. The number of participating countries grew steadily, and today the area includes 27 countries, including some non-EU countries such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Present
The Schengen zone has it journey within Europe significantly facilitated and contributed to economic growth and cooperation. The removal of border controls has stimulated the movement of people, goods and services and promoted tourism. In addition, the Schengen policy has led to closer cooperation in the fields of police, justice and immigration.
Yet the Schengen area has also faced challenges, such as the 2015 migration crisis and its aftermath. Some countries have temporarily reintroduced border controls to manage the influx of refugees and migrants. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to temporary restrictions on free movement within the Schengen zone, with many countries closing their borders to limit the spread of the virus.
The future of the Schengen zone
The future of the Schengen area will depend to a large extent on how the participating countries address the challenges of migration, security and cooperation. Here are some key aspects that could shape the future of the Schengen area:
- Migration Policy: Finding a balanced and sustainable solution to the challenges of migration and asylum remains a priority for the Schengen countries. The EU is reviewing its migration and asylum system to ensure it is efficient and fair for all parties involved. Better cooperation and division of responsibilities between the Schengen countries can reduce the pressure on the external borders and contribute to a more stable migration policy.
- Security and border management: The growing threat of terrorism and organized crime requires closer cooperation between the Schengen countries in the field of security and border management. Improving the exchange of information, strengthening cooperation between police and judicial services, and modernizing border control systems are some of the measures that can help to ensure security within the Schengen area.
- Expansion of the Schengen zone: Although the Schengen zone currently comprises 27 countries, there are still a few EU member states that are waiting to join, such as Bulgaria and Romania. Including these countries in the Schengen zone would further promote European integration and expand the free movement of people and goods.
- Technological innovation: In the digital age, the Schengen area will need to take advantage of the opportunities offered by technology to make border management more efficient and secure. The use of advanced technologies, such as biometric identification and smart border systems, can help balance the need for security and ensure the free movement of people.
To detect criminals, terrorists or anyone else posing a risk, travelers who normally do not use a visa are screened before entering the EU. This is done using it European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias). These controls could begin as early as 2023.
In addition, MEPs have approved plans to provide the European Border and Coast Guard Agency with a standing corps of 2027 border guards by 10.000 to enhance Europe's security.
Conclusion
Over the years, the Schengen zone has had a major influence on European cooperation and integration. While challenges remain, such as migration, security and ensuring cooperation between participating countries, the Schengen Area is likely to continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. Addressing these challenges will enable the Schengen Area to maintain and strengthen its role as a symbol of European unification and progress.
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