The Schengen Agreement is a treaty signed by most European Union (EU) member states that allows for borderless travel between participating countries. The agreement was initially signed in 1985, but it was not until 1995 that it came into effect. Currently, there are 26 countries that are part of the Schengen Area, including Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.
The United Kingdom (UK) is not part of the Schengen Area, despite being a member of the EU. The UK has opted out of this agreement, meaning that there are still border controls between the UK and other EU member states. However, under the EU`s free movement of people principle, EU citizens can still come to the UK without a visa and vice versa.
So why did the UK decide not to join the Schengen Agreement? One reason is that the UK is an island nation, which makes it easier to control its borders. Another reason is that the UK has been concerned about security issues, particularly with regards to illegal immigration and terrorism.
Despite the UK`s decision not to join the Schengen Area, it still cooperates with the EU on matters of border control and security. For example, the UK has opted into some EU policies and agreements, such as the European Arrest Warrant and the EU`s information-sharing system for law enforcement agencies.
Brexit, the UK`s decision to leave the EU, has also affected its relationship with the Schengen Area. After Brexit, the border between the UK and EU member states will become a hard border, with stricter controls on the movement of people and goods. However, both the UK and EU have stated their intention to maintain cooperation on matters of security and counter-terrorism.
In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement is a significant treaty for the EU, allowing for borderless travel between participating countries. Although the UK has chosen not to join this agreement, it still cooperates with the EU on matters of border control and security. Brexit will undoubtedly have an impact on the UK`s relationship with the Schengen Area, but both sides have expressed their commitment to maintaining cooperation on these important issues.