Is Finland part of the Schengen area?
Finland is part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area is an agreement between European countries that enables free movement within the area without passport checks. This agreement is named after the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, where the original agreement was signed in 1985.
What is the Schengen area?
The Schengen area consists of 27 European countries that have abolished mutual border checks and introduced joint external border checks. This means that a person can travel freely between Schengen countries without passport checks, but the checks at the external borders are stricter.
Finland’s accession to the Schengen area
Finland joined the Schengen area on March 25, 2001. This accession meant that border checks between Finland and other Schengen countries were removed, and Finland began to apply the Schengen acquis, which includes common rules and procedures on border checks, visas, police cooperation and asylum policy .
Benefits of the Schengen area
- Free movement: Citizens of the Schengen area can travel, work and live in any Schengen country without visas or passport checks.
- Economic benefits: Free movement facilitates trade and tourism, which promotes economic growth.
- Cooperation in security: Schengen countries cooperate closely between police and judicial authorities, which improves crime prevention and security.
Challenges of the Schengen area
Although the Schengen area has many advantages, it also comes with challenges. One of the most significant challenges is external border control and security. There are strict controls at the external borders of the Schengen area, but free movement within the area can cause security risks, such as illegal immigration and an increase in crime.
Summary
Finland has been part of the Schengen area since 2001. Being a member of the Schengen area offers many advantages, such as free movement and economic benefits, but it also comes with challenges, especially in terms of external border control and security. However, membership of the Schengen area is an important part of the cooperation between Finland and other European countries.
Read more about the Schengen area and its member countries European Union from official sites.
