Convention on the Implementation of the Schengen Agreement

The Convention on the Implementation of the Schengen Agreement is an international treaty that was signed on June 14, 1985, in Schengen, Luxembourg. The treaty is named after the small Luxembourgish town where the agreement was signed by five European countries – France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg – each agreeing to remove internal border controls and create a common external border.

The implementation of the Schengen Agreement was a significant milestone in European integration and cooperation. The Agreement aimed to create a single area of free movement of people within Europe, facilitating trade and travel, and promoting economic growth.

Under the Schengen Agreement, member states abolished border checks between each other, allowing for seamless transit across Europe. However, as a result, external borders were strengthened to prevent illegal immigration and terrorism.

The Schengen Agreement has since expanded to include 26 European countries, including non-European Union countries such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. The agreement allows for the free movement of people without the need for passports or visas.

However, the Agreement has also been criticized for its role in the ongoing European refugee crisis. Many member states imposed temporary border checks in response to the crisis, leading to a suspension of the Schengen Agreement. Additionally, the Agreement has also been criticized for creating a lack of transparency and accountability in the European migration and refugee policy.

In conclusion, the Convention on the Implementation of the Schengen Agreement has played a critical role in creating a unified Europe, facilitating economic growth and free movement of people. The Agreement has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding the migration and refugee crisis, but it remains a crucial aspect of European integration and cooperation.