The Schengen Area

GS 2 – International Relation

Origin and Expansion
The Schengen Area derives its name from Schengen, a small village in Luxembourg near the borders of France and Germany, where the landmark agreement was signed in 1985. Initially involving five of the six founding members of the European Union (excluding Italy), the agreement laid the groundwork for the abolition of internal border checks. Today, this border-free zone spans 27 European nations, functioning largely as a unified territory with a standardized visa policy for international travelers.

Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, became a part of the Schengen Area in 2023. Meanwhile, Romania and Bulgaria, EU members since 2007, are set to achieve partial Schengen integration by March 31, 2024.

Benefits of a Border-Free Europe
The Schengen Area offers significant advantages. For travelers from outside the region, a single Schengen visa facilitates access to multiple European nations without additional border checks. For member states, this arrangement, coupled with the euro (adopted by 20 EU countries), symbolizes the success of European integration. The seamless movement of people and goods across borders plays a vital role in fostering unity and economic cooperation.

Is Schengen Membership Compulsory for EU States?
Joining the Schengen Area is not mandatory for EU members. When the agreement was implemented in 1995, only seven of the then 15 EU members participated. Currently, 23 of the 27 EU countries are part of the passport-free zone, with notable exceptions including Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and Bulgaria. Additionally, four non-EU countries—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—are part of the Schengen Area, illustrating its broader scope.

It’s important to distinguish these non-EU Schengen members from territories like Kosovo and other Western Balkan nations, which are not part of the 27 Schengen countries.

Challenges Confronting the Schengen Area
The Schengen framework has faced significant challenges in recent years. The Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, combined with the influx of migrants from conflict-ridden regions in Africa and the Middle East, tested its resilience. Far-right populist movements opposing immigration have further strained the system. In some instances, EU nations along the Mediterranean border contemplated reinstating national border controls, prompting debates about Schengen’s sustainability and the EU’s approach to integration.