The Schengen Agreement is one of the most significant and widely known international agreements in Europe. It is a treaty that allows the free movement of people, goods, and services between participating countries without the need for border checks. The agreement was signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, in 1985, and it has undergone numerous changes since then.
The Schengen Agreement was named after Schengen, a small village in Luxembourg where it was signed. The agreement was initially signed by five European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. These countries agreed to abolish their internal borders and allow free movement of people between them. The main objective of the agreement was to eliminate barriers to trade and improve economic relations between the participating countries.
The Schengen Agreement was later expanded to include additional countries that were not part of the original treaty. Today, the Schengen Area consists of 26 countries, including 22 European Union (EU) member states and four non-EU countries, namely Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. These countries have abolished their internal borders and have established a common external border, which is managed by the Schengen Border Code.
The Schengen Agreement has undergone several revisions and amendments since its inception. The first major revision occurred in 1990 when the Schengen Implementing Convention was signed. This convention established the procedural rules for the implementation of the Schengen Agreement and defined the responsibilities of the participating countries. In 1995, the Schengen Agreement became part of the European Union’s legal framework with the adoption of the Amsterdam Treaty.
In 2000, the Schengen Agreement was incorporated into the EU’s acquis communautaire, which is the body of European Union law. This meant that all new EU member states were required to adopt the Schengen Agreement and adhere to its rules. The Schengen Agreement has since been amended several times to address new security challenges and to adapt to changing realities in Europe.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement is an important treaty that allows free movement of people, goods, and services in Europe. It has undergone numerous revisions and amendments since its inception, and it continues to be an essential component of the European Union’s legal framework. The Schengen Agreement has brought significant benefits to the participating countries, including increased trade, improved economic relations, and greater security cooperation.
