The Schengen Agreement: A Brief Overview and its Coverage by BBC
The Schengen Agreement is a key aspect of European integration that has facilitated travel and movement across borders within the European Union (EU). The agreement was signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995, and it allows for the free movement of people and goods across borders without the need for passports or other forms of identification.
The agreement is named after the small town of Schengen in Luxembourg, where it was signed by five of the ten then-members of the European Economic Community (EEC). Today, the agreement has been signed by all 27 EU member states and four non-EU European countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
Under the Schengen Agreement, countries agree to abolish passport and other border checks at their common borders. In effect, this means that once travelers enter any participating country without passing through immigration checks at the border, they can travel freely within the Schengen area without undergoing further border checks.
The Schengen Agreement has been a boon for travelers, businesses, and residents alike. It has been credited with boosting European tourism, facilitating trade, and making it easier for people to live and work in European countries of their choice.
Despite these benefits, the agreement has come under scrutiny in recent years as a result of the increased migration to Europe. Some critics argue that the lack of border checks makes it easier for migrants to enter the Schengen area and remain undetected.
The Schengen agreement has been regularly featured in BBC news, with coverage spanning from its impact on European tourism to its potential impact on security. The BBC has also reported on some of the challenges facing the agreement, such as the refugee crisis, terrorism, and the Brexit vote.
In 2015, the BBC covered the implementation of new border controls in response to the refugee crisis, which had led to a significant increase in the number of people entering the Schengen area. The article highlighted the potential risks posed by the lack of proper security checks, and the need for a more coordinated approach to border control within the EU.
In 2016, the BBC reported on the impact of the Brexit vote on the Schengen Agreement. The article explored the potential impact on border control and the potential for increased security risks. It also looked at the likely impact on European tourism, with many UK tourists having previously taken advantage of the Schengen agreement to travel around Europe.
The Schengen Agreement is a key component of European integration and has had a significant impact on travel and migration within the EU. While it has faced challenges in recent years, it remains an important aspect of European cooperation and a key topic of coverage by the BBC.