7. Schengen Agreement (1985)
The Schengen Agreement revolutionized travel in Europe by removing internal borders among participating countries. This historic step enabled free movement for millions, fostering closer economic and social ties across the continent. However, Schengen also sparked ongoing debates about migration, security, and the limits of national sovereignty. Its provisions remain central in discussions about border control and the balance between openness and protection. The agreement’s impact is visible every day in the ease with which people and goods move across much of Europe. More on the Schengen Area.
