Schengensopimuksella

Schengensopimuksella, also known as the Schengen Agreement, is an international treaty that establishes a zone of freedom, security, and justice in the area of Schengen. It was signed on June 14, 1985, and entered into force on March 26, 1995. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished all passport and customs controls at their mutual borders. This allows for the free movement of people within the area.

The Schengen Agreement was named after the small Luxembourgish town of Schengen, where the treaty was signed. The agreement was initially intended to facilitate the movement of people within Western Europe, but it has since expanded to include countries from Eastern Europe. The Schengen Area covers an area of approximately 426,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 400 million people.

The Schengen Agreement has been amended several times since its inception. The most significant amendment was made in 2007, which introduced a visa-free regime for short stays in the Schengen Area for citizens of certain countries. This amendment has made it easier for people to travel within the Schengen Area and has contributed to the growth of tourism in the region.

The Schengen Agreement is overseen by the Schengen Visa Information System (SVIS), which is a database that contains information on visa applications and decisions. The SVIS is used by Schengen Area countries to share information on visa applications and to prevent visa fraud.

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement has played a significant role in the development of the European Union and has contributed to the growth of tourism and trade in the region. The agreement has been amended several times since its inception and continues to evolve to meet the needs of its member countries.