Schengen Area: Internal Migration inside the EU

• Process of core-periphery polarisation is sometimes repeated at larger spatial scales.
• A core-periphery pattern has been fuelled by free movement of labour and capital within the EU.
• The EU core of northern France, the Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany includes the world cities of Paris, Brussels and Berlin. Economic migrants from eastern and southern Europe flow towards this core.
• Internal national border controls within most of the EU were removed in 1995 when Schengen Agreement was implemented.
• Schengen Agreement enables free movement of people and goods within the EU, meaning that passports and good declarations are not required at borders.
• Eastern European nations implemented the agreement in 2007-2008.
• Schengen Agreement is beneficial as EU labour can move to where there is most demand. However, there is also costs a once someone is in one EU country, they can move to others.
• In recent years, most EU states have witnessed growth of nationalist movements opposed to free movement such as National Rally in France the the AfD in Germany.
• Racist attacks and hostility towards immigrants are becoming an increasingly common problem in Italy, Germany and other EU countries.
• What is the status of borders within the EU?

  They are open or do not exist
• What is the purpose of open borders in the EU?

  To allow passport-free travel among member countries
• Which countries have quotas for migrant numbers in the EU?

  UK and Ireland
• What effect did the Schengen Agreement have on EU borders?

  It abolished many internal borders
• What does the Schengen Agreement enable for EU residents?

  Passport-free movement across most of the bloc
• Where does the name "Schengen" come from?

  From a place in Luxembourg
• When was the Schengen Agreement signed and when did it take effect?

  Signed in 1985, took effect in 1995
• How many countries are part of the Schengen Area?

  26 countries
• How many Schengen countries are EU members?

  22 EU members
• Which countries opted out of the Schengen Agreement?

  UK and Ireland
• Why did the UK opt out of the Schengen Agreement?

  To maintain its own borders