The Schengen Agreement Signed in 1985 Meant That Travel Across Europe Became Easier
The Schengen Agreement signed in 1985 was a revolutionary pact that changed the course of Europe`s history. The agreement paved the way for frictionless travel and borderless movement between 26 European countries, known today as the Schengen Area. This agreement abolished internal border controls and made it easier for people to travel across Europe.
The Schengen Agreement was named after the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was first signed. The agreement was signed by five countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The signatories agreed to create a common area where people could travel freely without the need for visas or other forms of documentation.
The agreement has since expanded to 26 countries throughout Europe. This includes almost all EU countries, with the exception of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom. The Schengen Area also extends to non-EU members such as Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.
The Schengen Agreement made travel across Europe much easier and more convenient. Passengers can now travel by air or land within the Schengen Area without needing to show their passports or other identification documents. This has led to an increase in tourism, trade, and economic cooperation between the different countries.
However, the Schengen Agreement does not mean that there are no border controls whatsoever. The agreement requires that external borders are reinforced and that there are checks on people entering the Schengen Area. This is done to ensure that the area remains safe and secure.
In recent years, the Schengen Area has faced some challenges, particularly in relation to migration. Some countries have introduced border controls to control the flow of people entering their countries, which has raised questions about whether the Schengen Agreement is still effective.
Despite these challenges, the Schengen Agreement remains a major milestone in European history. It has enabled people to travel across Europe more easily and has brought people from different countries closer together. The agreement has also boosted economic growth and has increased cooperation between different countries on a wide range of issues.