The Schengen Agreement and Romania: Understanding the Basics

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed on June 14, 1985, between five European countries: France, West Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The aim of the treaty was to abolish border controls between these five countries, allowing for the free movement of people and goods within this « Schengen Area. »

Over the years, more countries have joined the Schengen Agreement, and today, it includes 26 countries, including most of Western Europe. However, joining the Schengen Area is not automatic for EU member states, and some countries are still waiting for the green light to join, including Romania.

Romania`s path to joining the Schengen Area has been a long and complicated one. The country initially applied to join in 2011, but its membership was blocked by a group of EU member states, primarily France and Germany, due to concerns over corruption and weak borders.

Since then, Romania has made significant progress in addressing these concerns, making reforms to its judicial system and improving its border controls. However, despite these efforts, Romania remains one of only two EU member states (alongside Bulgaria) that are yet to join the Schengen Area.

The benefits of joining the Schengen Area are significant for Romania. Firstly, it would allow for the free movement of people and goods between Romania and the other Schengen member states, making travel and trade easier and more efficient.

Secondly, joining the Schengen Area would also improve Romania`s security situation. Currently, the country is a transit point for migrants and refugees coming from the Middle East and Africa, and joining Schengen would enable Romania to better manage its borders and cooperate more closely with other EU member states on security issues.

Despite these benefits, Romania`s path to Schengen membership remains blocked, primarily due to political reasons. Some EU member states, primarily France, continue to express concerns over corruption and weak borders, while others see Romania`s Schengen membership as a bargaining chip in other EU negotiations.

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement is an essential part of the European Union`s project of creating a single market and promoting the free movement of people and goods. Romania`s membership in Schengen would be a significant step forward for the country, but political considerations continue to complicate the issue.