Blanar: Schengen Has Been Uniting Europe without Internal Borders for 41 Years

Bratislava, 14 June (TASR) - Schengen is one of the most visible and practical achievements of European integration as it enables every day millions of Europeans to travel, work, study, or do business freely without unnecessary obstacles, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement, TASR was told by the ministry's communications department on Sunday. According to Blanar, Schengen represents one of the most significant benefits of Slovakia's membership in the European Union and is also a symbol of cooperation and shared responsibility among European states. The agreement was signed on 14 June 1985, in the Luxembourg town of Schengen by Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany, laying the foundations for the current Schengen Area. Today, it encompasses 29 European countries and more than 450 million inhabitants. "Slovakia has been part of the Schengen Area since December 2007. Over the course of nearly two decades, freedom of movement has become a natural part of our citizens' lives. It has significantly simplified travel, fostered economic growth, promoted cross-border cooperation, and facilitated daily interactions between people. That's precisely why it's important to protect and strengthen this unique European space for the future," emphasised Slovakia's chief diplomat. Blanar also noted that Schengen cannot be taken for granted. Its functioning is based on common rules, mutual trust, and the ability of member states to respond jointly to security challenges. am