Interestingly, the ‘passport free’ zone which includes the eight Central and Eastern European countries which were incorporated within the EU in 2004 is also recognized as the Schengen area. The zone is a celebration of European partnerships within the distinct European community and the common grounds and plans for the future. In addition to the original members, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenija are also an integral part of the zone. The incorporation of the project spells out the much needed sharing of expertise and understanding of common needs.

The integration spelt certain criteria with regards to the borders and customs. The once separated parts of Europe now greet with open arms probable coalition with nations that were placed behind the Iron Curtain. European countries can now explore the possibility of travel anywhere between the Baltic Sea and The Atlantic Ocean, devoid of the inconvenience of check points, border control or documentation. No longer are citizens contained within geographical and man defined constraints and they can now tap on the freedom to migrate and travel short or long term anywhere within the European continent. The lifting of the existent land, air and maritime borders will enable this to become truly a ‘no visa’ zone and one of a kind. The elimination of the border control involves:

* abolition of border controls
* settlement of concerns over security of the citizens
* consideration of an intense crime wave
* consideration of the overall impact over the internal policies of the nations involved

Apart from the mandatory land and maritime border check, the other implication of this ‘no passport and no visa’ zone is the introduction of an updated Schengen Information System or the SIS II. The citizens of the member nations are guaranteed easy access to the SIS II database that would comprise of information on individuals wanted or missing or who face interdiction within the specified boundaries. For May 2009, the plan of action incorporates the opening up of the labor markets fully. The final step is expected to be taken in May 2011, with all the member states being able to permit their EU-25 citizens to reside in, move about and work freely in the country of their choice, within the Union. The project has already cost the EU approximately 1 billion euros or a whooping 1.4 billion dollars!

After the depression that engulfed the world post World War I and II and the Cold War, this seems quite a step towards integration rather than separation, but only if it is alert and not oblivious to the implications that could turn sour if not dealt with in time.