Schengen Area

  • Type: Special International Zone
  • Membership: 26 member states
  • Establishment: Established on 14 June 1985
  • Official Language(s): Multiple, as per the member states
  • Headquarters: N/A (The Schengen Area does not have a centralized headquarters. It operates through the collective agreement of its member states.)

The Schengen Area is a zone where 26 European countries abolished their internal borders for the free and unrestricted movement of people, in harmony with common rules for controlling external borders and fighting criminality by strengthening the common judicial system and police cooperation.

Schengen Area History

The Schengen Area was established on 14 June 1985 by the Schengen Agreement, signed by five of the ten member states of the European Economic Community. It started with just a few countries and has grown to include 26 European countries today. The area was created to enhance freedom of movement and facilitate trade and tourism within the European region.

Schengen Area Structure

The Schengen Area operates based on treaties and agreements between the participating countries. While there is no centralized legislative or administrative body, the member countries cooperate and coordinate on matters related to the area through their respective national structures and through intergovernmental organizations like the European Union and the Council of Europe.

Schengen Area Membership

The Schengen Area consists of 26 member states which have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Of the 27 EU member countries, 22 participate in the Schengen Area. Four EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are also part of the Schengen Area.

Schengen Area Objectives

Free Movement

The main objective of the Schengen Area is to abolish border controls between member states, thus allowing for the free and unrestricted movement of people.

External Border Security

While internal border controls have been abolished, Schengen Area countries have strengthened controls at their external borders to ensure the security of the area.

Judicial and Police Cooperation

Member states collaborate closely in judicial and police matters to prevent and combat crime throughout the Schengen Area.

Schengen Area Funding

The Schengen Area does not have a centralized funding mechanism. Measures related to the Schengen Area, such as border control infrastructure and information systems, are funded by the member states and through the budgets of intergovernmental organizations like the European Union.

Schengen Area Projects

Schengen Information System (SIS)

One of the main projects in the Schengen Area is the Schengen Information System, a sophisticated database used by countries to exchange data on individuals and objects for security purposes.

Visa Policy

The Schengen Area has a common visa policy for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), which facilitates tourism and short business trips.

Schengen Area Members

Member States

The Schengen Area represents a significant achievement in terms of freedom of movement and cooperation between European countries. It has facilitated not just ease of travel for citizens and tourists but also bolstered internal security through stringent external border controls and collaboration in police and judicial matters.

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