The role of Schengen agreement

The Schengen countries cancelled their internal borders, which greatly facilitated the free flow of people, goods, funds and services within the EU. Citizens of EU member States and foreigners from any country will also have the right to travel freely in Schengen countries as long as they have obtained legal residence and entry visas in one of them. Therefore, it is welcomed by most EU residents and many foreign tourists.

With the improvement of the Schengen Agreement, the member countries have cooperated in education, health and social services, so that the citizens of the member countries of the agreement can benefit from the achievements of integration in many fields.

Luc Freeden, Luxembourg's Minister of Justice, who held the rotating presidency of the European Union, said in a speech at the ceremony held in Schengen to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement that the Schengen Agreement has brought great convenience to the lives of European people and enhanced the unity and trust among EU member states.

He said that practice has proved that it is impossible for the EU to deal with organized crime, transnational drug trafficking and illegal immigration alone. Only close cooperation among countries can bring "freedom, security and the rule of law" to the European people.

Frattini, Vice-President of the European Commission, pointed out in his speech that the Schengen Agreement has realized the free movement of people among EU member states, which is a milestone in the process of European integration, and its purpose is "unity, trust and transparency" among the member states of the Schengen Agreement.

He also revealed that the current Schengen information system will be expanded and upgraded to meet the needs of Switzerland and the EU 10 new member States to join the Schengen Agreement in the near future.

The Schengen countries cancelled their internal borders, which greatly facilitated the free flow of people, goods, funds and services within the EU. Citizens of EU member States and foreigners from any country will also have the right to travel freely in Schengen countries as long as they have obtained legal residence and entry visas in one of them. Therefore, it is welcomed by most EU residents and many foreign tourists.