I had the occasion of travelling through Europe in this month. All the journeys – traversing seven countries viz, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy & France – were done by road. I was amazed to notice that when we crossed a border and entered another country we literally had to be on the lookout to be aware that we are crossing into into another country.
Look at the immense advantages:
1. No border control manning or defence expenditure for the same.
2. International trade gets benfit and citizens reap the benefits.
3. Tourisn gets a boost.
4. Crime reduces.
Disadvantage - appears to be only one, ie., the political parties/politicians are unable to get personal gains by controls and by heavy defence expenditure.
Before the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, most borders in Western Europe were patrolled and a vast network of border posts existed around the continent, to check the identity and entitlement of people wishing to travel from one country to another. Visa requirements also varied and the possessors of visas to visit one European country would not necessarily be entitled to visit others without separate visas.
Since the implementation of the Schengen rules, border posts have been closed (and often entirely removed) between participating countries. The Schengen Borders Code requires participating states to remove all obstacles to free traffic flow at internal borders. Thus, road, rail and air passengers no longer have their identity checked by border guards when crossing borders (however, security controls by carriers are still permissible). Visitors to Schengen countries can receive a Schengen visa that entitles them to travel freely throughout the Schengen area.
The famous Berlin Wall, Border check posts, Visa controls, Troops and tanks invading the countries etc. all have become history.
I wish that our Politicians can think for the country and not just for themselves and also drill some sense into our neighbouring politician, the future generations will be ever so grateful to them. India & Pakistan can again become one and a real super power, and the Indian Empire can be at least brought close to its former glory.
