The Schengen Agreement is a significant agreement that has had a tremendous impact on the European continent. It has allowed for the free movement of people, goods, and services within the Schengen Area and has been an integral part of the European Union`s development over the past several decades.
The Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, in Schengen, Luxembourg. The agreement was signed by five of the then-members of the European Economic Community: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. These five countries formed the original Schengen Area.
The agreement was named after the small Luxembourgish town of Schengen, where the signing took place. The town is located on the border of Luxembourg, France, and Germany, making it a fitting location for the signing.
The Schengen Agreement was designed to abolish internal borders within the Schengen Area, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, and services. This was a significant step forward in European integration, as it allowed for greater economic cooperation and freedom of movement for citizens.
Over time, more countries joined the Schengen Area, including Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Today, the Schengen Area consists of 26 countries, including most EU member states, as well as non-EU members Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The Schengen Agreement has had several revisions since its inception, most notably the Schengen Convention in 1990 and the Schengen Agreement in 1995. These revisions have helped to solidify the agreement and expand its scope.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement was signed on June 14, 1985, in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg. It was a significant step forward in European integration, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, and services within the Schengen Area. Today, the Schengen Area consists of 26 countries, including most EU member states, as well as non-EU members Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.