How is the Schengen Agreement different than the earlier forms of cooperation in the EEC, and from the Maastricht Treaty?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The Schengen Agreement allowed free movement of Europeans from post-communist countries throughout Europe without a visa or other permission. This would allow relocation, as well as permitting workers to relocate, which replaced the earlier guest workers' program. However, in practical terms, the plan was flawed and while it was easy to travel, it was much more difficult to obtain work permits and permanent residency permissions. The Maastricht Treaty formalized the creation of the EU, which made members coequal within the EU and citizenship rights applied throughout, meaning that it eliminated the need for citizens of member nations to obtain visas or residency permits. This did not apply to the non-member nations, however, which still had to work under the auspices of the Schengen Agreement.