Schengen Area: Right to Cross Borders

The Schengen Cooperation consists of two international agreements - the Agreement and the Convention - that were signed outside the European Communities framework between 1985 and 1997. These agreements established a cooperative framework for border controls and freedom of movement among participating states.

The Schengen Acquis refers to the body of EU law that encompasses all the rules and regulations related to the Schengen Agreement and the Convention. It was gradually integrated into EU law through a series of acts and decisions.

The 3rd pillar of EU competences, which includes justice and home affairs, initially conflicted with the provisions of the Schengen Agreement. The Amsterdam Treaty resolved this conflict by integrating Schengen into the EU framework.

The Schengen Borders Code, adopted in 2006, is a comprehensive set of rules that governs the management of external borders in the Schengen Area. It aims to create a unified and coherent approach to border control.

Instrumentalization of migrants refers to the practice of third-party states using migrants as leverage in their relations with the EU, particularly in the context of the Schengen Agreement. Examples include using migrants as leverage to negotiate political concessions or to pressure the EU on border control policies.

The right of EU citizens and other individuals with the right to free movement to cross internal borders within the Schengen Area without any border control.

The principle that the EU is responsible for the external borders of the Schengen Area, meaning that all member states are responsible for controlling the entry of non-EU citizens at the outer borders.

The legal framework governing the external borders of the Schengen Area, including the conditions for entry, exit, and the procedures for border control.

A state that participates in the Schengen Area but is not a member of the European Union (EU).

The possibility for a state to temporarily reintroduce controls at internal borders in exceptional circumstances, such as in cases of public emergencies or serious threats to public order.

The principle that member states within the Schengen Area must refrain from imposing border controls at internal borders, allowing free movement of people without checks.

The situation where the scope of free movement differs between countries within the Schengen Area, meaning not every state has completely open borders within the Schengen Area.

The EU has the power to create policies that ensure efficient monitoring and management of external borders, and the authority to carry out necessary checks.

Individuals are allowed to cross external borders at designated crossing points, within specific hours.

EU countries have the right to temporarily close or limit the hours of specific border crossing points when necessary. This rule was introduced to prevent abuse of migration systems.

In situations of large-scale public emergencies, EU countries can temporarily restrict borders. This can include things like requiring testing or quarantine measures. These restrictions must be fair and reasonable.

EU citizens enjoy the right to free movement within the EU. However, they are subject to identity and nationality checks, including verification against databases.

This system is used for all people crossing external borders of Schengen countries. It allows for information exchange among border authorities and enables guards to access alerts on individuals.

The VIS is a database that stores information relating to Schengen visas, including fingerprints, visa applications, and decisions. It enables the sharing of visa data between consulates and border points.

Eurodac is a system that compares fingerprints of asylum seekers. Primarily used for asylum purposes, it also aids in criminal management. The system includes data about people disembarked after search and rescue operations.

This system is used for registering the entry and exit of third-country nationals (TCNs) who are staying in Schengen countries for short periods. It records the time and place of entry and calculates their authorized stay.

ETIAS is an online prior authorization system for visa-exempt visitors intending to travel to Schengen countries. It acts as a security measure similar to the US ESTA program.

This refers to the principle within the Schengen Border Code that allows free movement across internal borders of Schengen countries without checks. Citizens are free to travel without any border controls.

This provision in the Schengen Border Code allows Member States to reintroduce border controls at internal borders temporarily for reasons of public security, public health, or other reasons.

The maximum duration for which any temporary reintroduction of internal border controls is permitted within the Schengen Area, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

A category of temporary internal border control reintroduction allowed under the Schengen Borders Code, triggered by emergencies such as natural disasters or large-scale public health threats, requiring immediate action.

A legal framework under the Schengen Borders Code outlining the general conditions for temporarily reintroducing internal border controls within the Schengen Area.

A category of temporary internal border control reintroduction allowed under the Schengen Borders Code, triggered by foreseeable or unforeseeable events that pose a serious threat to public order or internal security.

A category of temporary internal border control reintroduction allowed under the Schengen Borders Code, triggered by circumstances that pose a serious threat to the functioning of the Schengen Area, often involving a significant risk to public security or order.

The practice of temporarily reintroducing internal border controls within the Schengen Area, typically invoked in response to perceived threats to public security, public order, or the functioning of the Schengen Area.

The legal basis for triggering the reintroduction of temporary internal border controls in the Schengen Area due to a public health emergency.

The practice of applying the A25 category of temporary internal border controls, allowing for their reintroduction based on foreseeable or unforeseeable events that pose a serious threat to public order or internal security.