Schengenstaaten

Schengenstaaten, or the Schengen Area, refers to a group of European states that have abolished routine border checks at their internal borders, allowing passport-free movement for people within most of the area. It currently comprises 27 states: 23 EU member states and four non-EU states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland). Croatia joined Schengen in 2023, bringing the number to 27. Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania are European Union members but are not part of the Schengen Area.

Core features of the Schengen Area include the removal of internal border controls between member states and the establishment of a common external border policy. In addition, there is a common Visa policy for short stays, enabling uniform visa rules and entry decisions. Police and judicial cooperation is enhanced through systems such as the Schengen Information System (SIS) and cooperation through Europol. External border control and surveillance are collectively supported by the participating states, with operational support from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

History and governance: The Schengen concept originated with the 1985 Schengen Agreement and was expanded by the Schengen Convention of 1990. The Schengen acquis was gradually incorporated into European Union law through subsequent treaties and EU mechanisms, creating a supranational framework for border management, visas, and cross-border cooperation rather than a single unified state.

Practical implications: Travel within the Schengen Area generally requires only a valid passport or national ID for short stays. Non-EU visitors may need a Schengen visa. The reintroduction of border checks at internal borders can occur temporarily for security or public policy reasons, but such measures are limited and carefully regulated.