Schengen is more than an area of freedom, security and justice without internal frontiers. Ensuring its proper functioning requires a robust governance system, which ensures the identification of priorities and implementation of common rules, leading to better cooperation and mutual trust among Schengen countries.
Good governance enables Schengen countries to respond effectively to shared challenges, safeguard security, and uphold the benefits of seamless travel for millions of citizens, residents and visitors.
Schengen Governance has two main pillars: the Schengen Cycle, with the Schengen Council at its heart, and the Schengen Evaluation and Monitoring Mechanism, coordinated by the European Commission.
The Schengen Cycle includes several tools which allow the Schengen Council to swiftly identify key challenges and set priority actions at both national and European levels.
By conducting regular on-site evaluations, the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism helps identify areas for improvement.