March 26, 1995
The Schengen Agreement, which abolishes border checks between participating European countries, comes into effect.
Schengen, Luxembourg | European Union
On March 26, 1995, the Schengen Agreement officially came into effect, marking a significant milestone in European integration. This agreement led to the abolition of internal border checks between participating European countries, facilitating the free movement of people across much of the continent.
The Schengen Agreement was initially signed on June 14, 1985, near the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community (EEC) at the time: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The agreement aimed to gradually eliminate border controls at their mutual borders.
The implementation of the Schengen Agreement was a complex process that required extensive negotiations and the establishment of common visa policies, as well as cooperation in areas such as police and judicial matters.
Abolition of Internal Borders: The most notable feature of the Schengen Agreement is the removal of internal border checks between member countries, allowing for passport-free travel across these nations.
Common Visa Policy: The agreement established a uniform visa policy for short stays, allowing travelers to move freely within the Schengen Area with a single visa.
Enhanced Cooperation: Member countries agreed to enhance cooperation in law enforcement and judicial matters to maintain security within the Schengen Area. This includes the Schengen Information System (SIS), a shared database used by police forces to track criminals and missing persons.
On March 26, 1995, the Schengen Agreement was implemented by seven countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. This marked the beginning of the Schengen Area, which would expand over the following years to include more countries.
Since its implementation, the Schengen Area has grown to include most European Union (EU) countries, along with some non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. As of 2023, the Schengen Area encompasses 27 countries.
The Schengen Agreement has had a profound impact on European travel, trade, and cooperation. It has facilitated economic integration by allowing goods and services to move more freely across borders and has strengthened cultural and social ties among European nations.
Despite its successes, the Schengen Agreement has faced challenges, particularly concerning security and immigration. The migrant crisis of 2015 and subsequent terrorist attacks in Europe led to temporary reintroductions of border controls by some member states. These events highlighted the need for robust external border management and cooperation on asylum policies.
The implementation of the Schengen Agreement on March 26, 1995, was a landmark event in European history, symbolizing a commitment to unity and cooperation. It remains a cornerstone of European integration, representing both the opportunities and challenges of a borderless Europe.
Source: en.wikipedia.org