Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen Area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone
Schengen Area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone: Romania and Bulgaria have taken a significant step toward integration with the European Union by partially joining the Schengen Area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone. While not yet full members, their partial inclusion in the Schengen Area represents a significant advancement in facilitating travel and fostering closer ties with other European nations while land border checks will remain in place due to opposition from Austria, which has long blocked their bid over concerns about illegal migration. This decision reflects the EU’s commitment to promoting unity and collaboration among its member states, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared identity across the continent.
Schengen Area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone
Schengen Area, Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone
The Schengen Area, established in 1985, is a region in Europe comprising 29 countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for the free movement of people within the area. It operates as a single jurisdiction with a common visa policy for international travel. Named after the Schengen Agreement and Convention signed in Luxembourg, the area includes 25 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Bulgaria and Romania, the newest members, joined partially on March 31, 2024, with air and maritime borders open but land border controls still in place. Cyprus and Ireland are the only EU members not in the Schengen Area, with Cyprus obligated to join in the future and Ireland maintaining an opt-out. Additionally, countries in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and microstates like Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are de facto members. The Schengen Area covers over 450 million people and spans 4,595,131 square kilometres. It facilitates daily commuting and trade, with over 1.3 billion crossings of Schengen borders recorded in 2015, including 57 million for goods transport. The area has led to decreased trade costs and strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries.
| Schengen Area Member States |
|---|
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Hungary |
| Iceland |
| Italy |
| Latvia |
| Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Malta |
| Netherlands |
| Norway |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| Switzerland |
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a zone in Europe comprising 29 countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for the free movement of people within the area.
When was the Schengen Area established?
The Schengen Area was created in 1985 with the signing of the Schengen Agreement and later formalized by the Schengen Convention in 1990, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg.
Which countries are part of the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes 25 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Which EU member states are not part of the Schengen Area?
Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is obligated to join in the future, while Ireland maintains an opt-out.
What are the benefits of the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area facilitates daily commuting and trade, leading to decreased trade costs and strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries.
