Schengen Agreement

History

The first steps to abolish controls at the internal borders of the European Communities, the precursor of the European Union, were taken at the Paris European Council on 9 December 1974. However, the actual Schengen Agreement was signed on 14 June 1985 in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, between five Member States of the European Communities: Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands (collectively known as Benelux).

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Schengen Agreement is to abolish stationary border controls at the internal borders of participating states. This allows for the free movement of persons, goods, and services between these countries.

Implementation

The agreement was the first step in creating a common area through the progressive elimination of controls at common borders between the five initial signatory states. The full implementation of the Schengen Agreement began as of 1995 (not specified in all sources), with the goal of removing internal border controls and introducing a single visa system.

Integration into the European Union

The Schengen Agreement was the first step of the so-called Schengen acquis, which has since been integrated into the institutional and legal framework of the European Union. This integration occurred in 1999, marking an important milestone in the development of the EU's common policies and laws.

Significance

The Schengen Agreement is a significant international treaty that has contributed to the creation of a borderless area within Europe. It has facilitated the free movement of people, goods, and services between participating countries, promoting economic integration and cooperation among its member states.

Note: I corrected some minor errors in the sources (e.g., "Sheeungian agreement" instead of "Schengen Agreement") to ensure consistency and accuracy in the merged article.