How does the Schengen Agreement affect migration policies in Europe?

The Schengen Agreement significantly liberalises migration policies in Europe by enabling passport-free movement across member states.

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, is a treaty that led to the creation of Europe's Schengen Area, in which internal border checks have largely been abolished. It was a significant step towards the European Union's goal of free movement of people, goods, services and capital. The agreement affects migration policies by allowing citizens of the 26 Schengen countries to travel freely without passport checks, thereby liberalising migration within the area.

The Schengen Agreement has had a profound impact on migration policies in Europe. It has effectively removed internal borders, allowing people to move freely within the Schengen Area for purposes such as tourism, work, study, or to live. This has led to increased mobility and migration flows within Europe. For instance, a French citizen can work in Germany, a Polish student can study in Spain, or an Italian can retire in Portugal, all without needing a visa or permit.

However, the Schengen Agreement also has implications for external migration policies. To maintain security within the Schengen Area, stringent checks are carried out at its external borders. This means that while movement within the area is liberalised, entry into the area is tightly controlled. Non-EU nationals wishing to enter the Schengen Area must meet certain requirements, including having a valid visa if they come from a country that is not visa-exempt.

The Schengen Agreement also includes provisions for temporary reintroduction of border controls in exceptional circumstances, such as a serious threat to public policy or internal security. This has been invoked several times, for example during the 2015-2016 European migrant crisis, when several countries temporarily reintroduced border controls.

In conclusion, the Schengen Agreement has significantly liberalised migration policies within Europe, allowing for free movement across member states. However, it also necessitates stringent external border controls and allows for temporary reintroduction of internal border controls in exceptional circumstances.