Schengen acquis : building a fortress Europe?

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the Schengen Acquis and how its objectives were carried out throughout the years. After going through a brief historical outline of how and why the Schengen Acquis came around, the dissertation concentrates on the different perspectives that member states have on this agreement. These diverse outlooks where key in forging a common free movement area between twenty-four member states. Cooperation on the Schengen has been characterized by a continuous debate on the degree of security enjoyed by European citizens when the internal borders are abolished. In fact 'old' member states, such as France, being one of the initial countries to sign the Schengen agreement in June 1985, still pushed for a more 'military' Schengen to protect better its people, and had its was concerned about the repercussion France might suffer when it came to the opening of internal borders of the new Eastern member states. Furthermore, the dissertation explores why the United Kingdom has chosen to opt-out of this agreement and decide to keep border-checks within its own ambit. The latest enlargement to the Schengen Zone has been distinguished by enthusiastic Central and Eastern EU member states. The dissertation unveils the extended preparations that countries like Malta, Slovakia and the Czech Republic had to go through before being admitted into the 'club.' Moreover, it also discusses how the opening of borders had been a means of reunification in spite of certain security concern, and how this reunion was translated into erecting a new barrier with the other neighbouring countries. Furthermore, the Schengen Zone is expected to expand and extend its scope also to non-EU countries. The dissertation uncovers the path which Switzerland took with the aim of achieving a closer link with the EU on issues of free movement. However there is still a degree of uncertainty circling around if the Swiss will eventually join the Schengen area or not, especially since the Swiss give substantial importance to the safeguarding of internal security.