The effect of the Schengen Convention and its implementation by Malta

Abstract

Free movement of persons in Europe is the essential door to open up to a Citizens' Europe. The 1990 Schengen Convention is an ambitious step towards complete freedom of movement in all of Europe. Thirteen EU Member States plus Norway and Iceland are signatories to this Convention. Currently, seven countries are applying its provisions. In October 1997 the number of countries implementing the Convention is set to grow to ten: Italy, Austria and Greece are to be admitted to the Schengen Group if they meet the demands to curb illegal immigration. The abolishment of internal borders allows for total free movement of people from one state to the other, with only spot checks made on travellers between Schengen States. At the same time it has introduced a United States of Europe border. The accord entered into force in seven countries in March 1995, opening an era of genuine free travel for millions of persons. Its purpose is to remove all controls at internal land, sea and airport frontiers. In order to maintain internal security a variety of accompanying measures have been taken. Unhindered travel between Schengen States will be counter-balanced by tougher identity checks at borders with non-EU countries to combat international crime and illegal immigration. By the year 2000 the whole of Western Europe will represent an area without border controls, with the exception of Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland.