Decoding the Schengen Area

• The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 27 European nations that have eliminated border controls, facilitating free movement of inhabitants and visitors.
• The inception of the Schengen Area was marked by the signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985.
• The term 'Schengen' originates from a town in southeastern Luxembourg where the initial Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 by France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
• It is important to note that the European Union and the Schengen Area are distinct entities.
• Following the signing of the Schengen agreement, border checks along the common borders within the area were abolished, enabling individuals to travel freely.
• The agreement also harmonizes visa policies, allowing residents to cross borders without undergoing checks at fixed points.
• In essence, the Schengen agreement eliminated border control and facilitated free movement within its member countries.

Countries in the Schengen Area

• The Schengen Area encompasses 27 countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• Notably, the Schengen Area includes four members who are not part of the European Union.

Recent Developments in the Schengen Area

Factors contributing to the delay in visa processing by the 27 countries:

• Technical glitches faced by visa processing companies.
• An unforeseen surge in the number of visa applications.
• Insufficient manpower in European embassies.