Schengen Area

This is an international initiative that allows citizens of its member countries to move freely within its area. Anyone who enters any country in the zone, at the internal borders, is not subject to controls. This is thanks to the fact that they have been abolished under the provisions. These facilities for citizens have, in turn, required increased security at external borders. The formal absence of border controls does not mean that they are not carried out at all. Authorized authorities of a country can control people both at and near internal borders. This usually happens as a result of top-down information provided as a result of the need for increased surveillance.

The Schengen Area also means unified action on formal grounds. Schengem countries have a common visa policy for non-EU foreigners. They also act together to fight crime. As a result, both the police and courts of the 26 countries are taking steps to strengthen judicial and police cooperation.

Where did the name Schengen Area come from?

The beginning of the creation of the Schengen Area dates back to 1985. Its name has a close connection with the place where the first agreements were signed. It took place precisely in the town of Schengen in Luxembourg. In this small country, which borders France and Germany, a „deal” was made. At that time, it was agreed to successively abolish controls at common borders. A year later, there were only visual controls on cars that crossed internal borders. In 1990, the treaty was supplemented by an implementing convention. It marked the final abolition of internal border controls. On the other hand, control apparatuses at external borders were strengthened to maintain security. On the basis of the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen Area was established.

The beginnings of the Schengen Area and the addition of more countries

The Schengen Agreement was signed by five countries: France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. After six years, Spain and Portugal joined the zone. And in 1997 the agreement additionally included Italy and Austria. The idea of this international initiative was gaining more and more support. For it to develop further, more official undertakings were needed. Consequently, in 1999, under the Treaty of Amsterdam, the agreement became part of EU legislation. Subsequent years brought an expansion of the group of member states, and 17 more countries received permission to join the Schengen Area.

Poland joined the Schengen Area in 2007. The abolition of controls at land and sea borders took place then. In turn, border controls at airports ceased in March 2008. The last country to join the agreement is Liechtenstein. It has been in the zone since December 2011.

Security in the Schengen Area

Freedoms and lack of restrictions entail the need to strengthen security measures. That is why the Schengen Information System (SIS) was launched in the Schengen Area. It is Europe's largest database of information on wanted persons and objects. With more and more countries joining the agreement, there was a need to strengthen the existing security system. It was replaced by the second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II).