What is Schengen?
Schengen is a term used to refer to the Schengen Area, which is a region in Europe that includes 26 countries. The region is named after the Schengen Agreement, which was signed in 1985 in the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg. The purpose of the agreement was to abolish border controls between the participating countries and create a free movement area.
How do you pronounce Schengen?
Schengen is pronounced \"sheng-en\" with the stress on the first syllable. The \"ch\" in Schengen is pronounced like the \"ch\" in the word \"cheap\".
Which countries are in the Schengen Area?
The 26 countries in the Schengen Area are: 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, and Switzerland.
What are the benefits of Schengen?
The Schengen Area allows for the free movement of people within its borders, which makes it easier for people to travel between countries. It also promotes tourism and trade, as well as cultural exchange and cooperation between countries. Additionally, it helps to strengthen the relationships between the member countries and promote a sense of unity and cooperation within Europe.
Are there any drawbacks to Schengen?
One of the drawbacks of the Schengen Agreement is that it has led to an increase in illegal immigration and crime in some areas. It has also put a strain on border security and created challenges for countries that are not in the Schengen Area, as they are required to maintain border controls with the participating countries.
What is the future of Schengen?
The Schengen Area has faced challenges in recent years, including the refugee crisis and an increase in terrorist attacks. Some countries have temporarily reintroduced border controls to deal with these issues. However, most of the member countries remain committed to the Schengen Agreement and are working to address these challenges while preserving the benefits of free movement within the region.