Schengen is one of the most visible and practical achievements of European integration, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement. Slovakia has been part of the Schengen Area since December 2007.
According to Blanár, the agreement has significantly simplified travel, fostered economic growth, promoted cross-border cooperation, and facilitated daily interactions between people. As he added, 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.
Blanár 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.
Source: TASR
