European Union Vs. Schengen Area

Most of the visitors who are going to Spain think they are entering the European Union, but they should know that they are also entering the Schengen Area. There is always confusion between the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area.
Though not all the states of the EU are included in the Schengen agreement, this could influence the type of visa needed to visit any of these territories.

In this blog, we’ll be clearing all the doubts about why there is a difference between the European Union and Schengen Area.
 

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union consisting of 28 members states. It was initially established to promote peace in the continent. With the period of time, it has grown in importance. Moreover, EU countries have self-government over many aspects of their policymaking, which includes foreign policy, but they are bound to the legislative and judicial institutions of the EU.

Furthermore, a single internal market between the member states permits the free movement of goods, people, services, and money. EU citizens have the complete freedom to work, study, live and retire in any of the member countries. However, these rights do not apply to citizens from non-EU countries.
 

The Schengen Area is not a political entity, unlike the EU countries. It is the largest free movement area globally, and it is made to move easier between the European countries. Also, there are no border checks between Schengen countries which makes them share the same visa policy.

Furthermore, the Schengen Agreement was initially signed between France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Luxembourg, in 1985 in the town of Schengen, Luxembourg. In 1995, the Schengen Area was officially created. Over time, more countries signed the Schengen Agreement and became part of the Schengen Area.

Hope this blog has cleared your confusion!