Europe's Schengen Area Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary: Examining the Challenges Facing Europe's Borderless Zone in the Future
The Schengen Agreement, a cornerstone of European integration, was signed on June 14th, 1985, by five visionary European Economic Community (EEC) members: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and West Germany. This historic agreement aimed to abolish internal border controls among these nations, paving the way for free movement.
The Benelux countries, with their long-standing cooperation on free movement and economic integration, played a pivotal role in initiating the Schengen Agreement. Their success in demonstrating the benefits and feasibility of borderless travel within Europe laid the groundwork for this ambitious project.
The Nordic countries, although not explicitly mentioned in the initial signing, were influential in shaping the Schengen Agreement. Their pre-existing regional cooperation, such as the Nordic Passport Union established in 1954, allowed passport-free travel between Nordic countries. This successful model showcased the practical advantages and political trust necessary for free movement without border checks, serving as a significant inspiration for the Schengen Agreement.
The Schengen Agreement, inspired by the examples set by the Benelux and Nordic countries, expanded to include more European nations, eventually evolving into the Schengen Area by 1995. In 1999, the Agreement was incorporated into EU law through the Treaty of Amsterdam, becoming a central pillar of European integration and free movement policy.
Today, the Schengen Area includes 25 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Romania and Bulgaria joined in 2025, and Cyprus is expected to join in 2026. However, Ireland remains unlikely to join in the short term due to the need to establish a border with Northern Ireland.
For non-EU citizens, a Schengen visa is required for leisure or business travel, allowing a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To enhance security and prevent stays exceeding the 90-day limit, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be introduced in October. Additionally, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require non-EU nationals who are exempt from visas to apply for a travel authorization prior to their trip, with the ETIAS being valid for three years.
As the Schengen Area continues to evolve, it is expected to undergo digitalization, with the introduction of an online visa application system and a digital visa replacing the current visa sticker in passports. While reinforced border checks are currently in place in many countries, the Schengen Agreement stipulates that internal border checks can only be temporarily restored due to a "serious threat" and should be a "last resort" measure.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement, a testament to European unity and cooperation, was significantly influenced by the regional free movement areas established by the Benelux and Nordic countries. These examples provided both practical examples and political impetus for the creation of Schengen, which has since grown to become a central pillar of European integration and free movement policy.
The Schengen Agreement's expansion to include more European nations was heavily influenced by the success of the Benelux and Nordic countries, which demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of borderless travel. Today, the Schengen Area necessitates a Schengen visa for non-EU citizens, and mechanisms like the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are being implemented to enhance security. Future developments in the Schengen Area may include digitalization, such as an online visa application system and a digital visa, while internal border checks can only be restored temporarily due to a serious threat.
Political news, policy-and-legislation, and general-news outlets often cover the evolution of the Schengen Area, its influence on European integration, and the impact of immigration and travel on its policies. As the EU expands, the integration of new member states into the Schengen Area remains a significant topic in politics.
Immigration policies related to the Schengen Area often focus on providing visas for non-EU citizens, with measures in place to ensure compliance with the 90-day stay limit. The introduction of the EES and ETIAS aims to maintain the security and feasibility of the Schengen Agreement while promoting free movement.
Travel within the Schengen Area has been transformed by the Agreement, making it easier for citizens of member states to move between countries without internal border controls. However, for non-EU citizens, obtaining a Schengen visa and adhering to the 90-day stay limit remains a crucial aspect of their travel experience.
