Schengen Agreement & Acquis: History, Functionality, and Benefits

The Schengen Area is a key part of European unity. It allows people to move freely across countries and affects how they live, work, and travel.

This freedom operates under specific rules detailed in the Schengen Agreement and further encapsulated by the Schengen Acquis. Together, these set the guidelines for how the area works, ensuring that even without border checks, countries can keep things safe and organized.

What Is the Schengen Agreement?

The Schengen Agreement, signed on June 14, 1985, is a treaty that led most European countries to abolish their national borders and build a Europe without borders known as the “Schengen Area.”

Signed in Luxemburg, initially by only five EU countries, the agreement remains one of the world’s biggest areas that have ended border control between member countries. It also laid the foundation for the introduction of the Schengen Visa, a single visa that allows travellers to move freely within this vast zone, simplifying travel.

signing the Schengen Agreement

Myth: The Schengen Agreement Allows for Unrestricted Immigration
? While the Schengen Agreement allows the free movement of people for short stays, it does not grant unrestricted right to work or live long-term without the proper national visa. Each member state maintains its own policies for immigration and residency beyond short stays.

A Brief History of the Schengen Agreement

Here is a brief history of the Schengen Agreement, starting from the most recent events:

Myth: The Schengen Agreement Compromises National Security
? The Schengen Area is one of the most secure zones in the world. It has a dedicated security system that allows member states to monitor and share information on security and border management. Temporary border controls can also be reintroduced in response to security threats.

What Is the Schengen Acquis?

The Schengen acquis, or “acquis communautaire,” refers to a set of rules and laws, including treaties, directives, court decisions, and more, that are necessary for the proper functioning of the Schengen Area.

All EU members, including candidate EU Member States, are obliged to accept the acquis.

Schengen Framework Infographic: Building Integration

What Is Included in the Schengen Acquis?

The acquis encompasses several aspects, some of the most important including the following

Original Schengen Agreement (1985)

Schengen Convention (1990) implementing the Agreement

Schengen Accession Agreements

Schengen Security System

Myth: : All EU Countries Are Part of the Schengen Area
? While many EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, not all are. For example, Ireland and Cyprus are EU members but not part of the Schengen Zone. Conversely, some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland are part of the Schengen Area.

Which Countries Have Signed the Schengen Agreement?

29 European countries have signed and implemented the Schengen Agreement. Some countries are potential members who will sign the agreement in the future after meeting the eligibility criteria.

Which Countries Implement the Acquis?

Since the Schengen Agreement was signed over 39 years ago, 27 countries have joined the borderless area and implemented the Schengen acquis as follows:

The following EU Member States fully implement the Schengen acquis:

The following non-EU Member states fully implement the Schengen acquis:

The following EU Member States partially implement Schengen acquis due to various reasons:

Ireland has chosen to opt out of the agreement.

Benefits of the Schengen Agreement

Some of the most important benefits of the Schengen Agreement include:

Myth: Any European Country Can Sign the Schengen Agreement as They Wish
? Joining the Schengen Area is not as simple as expressing a desire to sign the Agreement. Countries must meet a strict set of criteria and undergo a rigorous evaluation process before they can become part of the Schengen Zone.

Useful Resources

Key Regulations Related to the Schengen Agreement/Acquis