Schengen Area Expansion on December 21, 2007

On December 21, 2007, the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel across participating European countries, underwent a significant expansion. This event marked the inclusion of nine new member states: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The expansion was a milestone in European integration, enhancing mobility and cooperation across a majority of the continent.

Background

The Schengen Agreement, originally signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995, established a framework for the gradual abolition of border checks at the signatories’ common borders. The implementation effectively created a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes with a unified visa policy.

Significance of the 2007 Expansion

The inclusion of these nine countries reflected the European Union’s broader goals of fostering unity and economic integration. It came after these nations had joined the EU in May 2004 and subsequently met the necessary security and border management standards required for participation in the Schengen Area.

Impact

• Ease of Travel: The removal of internal borders allowed for over 400 million people from 24 European countries to move freely without the need for passport checks at most internal borders.
• Economic Cooperation: Easier movement of people enhanced trade, tourism, and business across these new member states, contributing significantly to their economic growth and integration into the EU’s single market.
• Security Measures: While border controls between Schengen members were lifted, the agreement required enhanced coordination and security measures at the external borders of the Schengen Area.

Broader Historical Context

The 2007 expansion was a critical step in achieving deeper European integration, reflecting the vision of a more unified continent following decades of division during the Cold War. It underscored the success of the EU’s enlargement policies and the commitment of newer EU member states to meet the political and technical requirements necessary to fully participate in one of the most significant achievements of the European Union’s history.

Aftermath

The 2007 expansion laid the groundwork for further optimism and cohesion within the EU. It encouraged continued efforts for expansion and cooperation, reinforcing the importance of the Schengen Area as a pillar of the EU’s identity and operational framework. Subsequent developments in the Schengen Area evolved around maintaining a balance between freedom of movement and security, especially in the wake of global challenges such as heightened concerns over international terrorism and the 2015 European migrant crisis.