The Schengen Zone – PLSC 359: Global Governance

The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 Member States, the majority of which are also members of the European Union.

This agreement allows for the end of internal borders and free movement across countries. While Non-EU borders are supposed to be subject to further analysis, it is not always truly the case. When taking busses especially, there is minimal identity verification, and occasionally even simply a United States Drivers License suffices.

This movement has been called even more into question in light of the November 13 attacks in Paris and March 22 in Brussels. After Paris, the borders were immediately shut in order to prevent escapees. However, the borders were put at fault and people believed that the attackers had much more accessibility due to the lack of border control.

While there is a certain ease in being able to travel, it reveals the question of “at what cost”. Being able to quickly cross borders can be both a benefit but also a potential hindrance to safety. After the attacks questions were raised and discussion started surrounding the idea of whether or not the borders should remain completely open.

Additionally, all members of the Schengen Zone utilize the same visa, making it even easier for foreign visitors.

As safety measures are being increasingly put into place around the world, it will be interesting to see how the Schengen Zone proceeds.

List of Schengen Countries: http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/

Natalie Larsen-Palomino says:

April 23, 2016 at 12:31 pm

Aleah, this is a post that brings up a topic I have personally been debating myself. My mother has been saying for a while that border controls need to be stricter in Schengen countries. She is from Norway and is always speaking with her parents, who still live there, about how people are able to travel in and out as they please with little to no restriction. They believe that many people travel to Norway to “take advantage of the system”. I understand their points of view, but also enjoy the ease at which one can travel from one country to another while in Europe. When visiting family in Norway, we often cross the border into Sweden so we can go shopping for items at cheaper prices as Norway is very expensive. With border controls this becomes a bit more complicated. Who knows what the future holds for Europe, freedom and safety are sometimes a tradeoff- we will have to see how it plays out!

Margaret Moroney says:

April 30, 2016 at 12:53 am

Aleah–

This is a really interesting debate. As American students and travelers, we all take the Schengen zone for granted. Of course it makes it easier for us all to travel through Europe with ease and without a care. The current flow of migrants is also a concern for these Schengen Zone countries. State closer to the Middle East might have stricter or looser border protection depending on the state. It is really important that we investigate how we are able to monitor persons of interests throughout the zone. Many members states are facing increased difficulties with this as visas allow visitors to move freely for 100 days on one visa.