The Schengen Agreement is an important treaty that has been in place for over 30 years. It is named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the agreement was signed in 1985. The purpose of the Schengen Agreement is to eliminate internal borders between participating countries and create a single border for the European Union. There are four key points to the Schengen Agreement that are crucial to understanding its importance.
The first point of the Schengen Agreement is the elimination of internal borders between participating countries. This means that people are free to cross borders without having to show their passports or other forms of identification. This has led to greater ease of travel for people in the Schengen area, which includes most of the countries in the European Union as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
The second point of the Schengen Agreement is the creation of a single external border for the European Union. This means that travelers entering the Schengen area are subject to the same border controls, regardless of which country they enter through. This has helped to strengthen the security of the EU`s external borders, as well as the safety of its citizens.
The third point of the Schengen Agreement is the establishment of a shared database of information on people who are not allowed to enter the Schengen area. This database, known as the Schengen Information System (SIS), allows participating countries to share information on people who are considered a threat to public safety or national security. This helps to prevent criminals and terrorists from entering the Schengen area.
The fourth point of the Schengen Agreement is the promotion of cooperation between participating countries in areas such as law enforcement, judicial cooperation, and migration. This has led to greater collaboration between the countries of the Schengen area, and has fostered a sense of shared responsibility for the security and well-being of all citizens.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement has had a profound impact on the free movement of people in Europe and the security of the European Union. By eliminating internal borders, creating a single external border, establishing a shared database of information, and promoting cooperation between participating countries, the Schengen Agreement has created a safer and more united Europe.