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Celebrating 25 Years of One Border
Anniversary of Schengen Agreement puts European integration into proper perspective at the Expo.
The commissioner generals from both the European Union and Luxembourg pavilions reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to greater cooperation, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement with a special meeting and reception inside the Luxembourg pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
“For me, Schengen means more integration of the European Union,” said Serge Abou, European Union ambassador to China and commissioner general of the European Union pavilion at the Expo. “The single fact that more than 500 million citizens can move between countries without showing a passport, without stopping at the border; it means freedom.”
The 1985 agreement — named after the town in Luxembourg where it was originally signed — initially included only five countries in Europe, but now incorporates nearly every European country on the continent — including non-EU member states Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The agreement abolishes all internal borders for citizens living within member states, creating a single external border with common rules regarding visa policies, economic legislation and uniform policing.
“At the time, people did not believe Schengen would be successful,” said Robert Goebbels, commissioner general of the Luxembourg pavilion. “But next year we will be joined by Bulgaria and Romania, and I hope more countries will join this ‘open space’.”
In addition to creating more autonomy for citizens moving within the Schengen area, the agreement was also a more convenient way for foreigners traveling to Europe, as only one travel permit is needed to visit all member states.
“The Schengen Agreement has greatly enhanced relations between China and Europe,” said Hong Kao, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. “Chinese citizens have benefited tremendously from only needing a single visa to travel around the continent.”
In addition to the immediate travel benefits associated with a common border, the commissioners noted the Schengen area has also come to symbolize greater economic prosperity between European countries, as well as enhanced judicial and police cooperation between member states.
The current Schengen area includes 25 countries. Ireland and the United Kingdom are cooperating members. And in addition to Romania and Bulgaria, Liechtenstein and Cyprus are also being considered for future membership.