Schengen area spreads eastwards – lifting border checks for 24 European countries.

The EU’s border-free area is extending to cover nine extra countries – the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia – all in time for Christmas (21 December). These countries will also see their airport check points unmanned from March 2008. This is also good news for visitors to the EU, who will need just one visa to travel throughout the whole of the Schengen area.
Celebrating this major development, president Barroso said: "From now on, more than 399 million Europeans will enjoy one of the most cherished liberties by European citizens: free movement […] People will be able to drive uninterrupted from Portugal to Estonia and from Slovenia to Denmark." This, he underlined, is a very practical example of Europe making life better for its citizens.

Aware of concern that lifting border checks might increase freedom but reduce security, Mr Barroso remarked: "By combining the abolition of internal border checks with effective measures against security threats, we actually make Europe safer than before. We can concentrate law enforcement capacity where it makes a difference. Instead of penalising every citizen with queues and controls, we can target what needs to be targeted."
Data protection, police cooperation, visa policy and external controls at land, sea and air borders in the nine new countries have all been thoroughly vetted. Their preparations have paid off. Not only have border checks been lifted, but the countries will now also be included in the Schengen information system. This gives permanent access to information on individuals who are wanted or missing, and on lost and stolen property.
Until this latest expansion, the Schengen area counted 13 EU countries, plus Norway and Iceland. The UK and Ireland opted out and Cyprus delayed entry. Bulgaria and Romania are already preparing to join.