In the mid-1980s a big effort was waged in Europe to promote ‘free movement’ to help the continent’s working population by increasing the places where people could feasibly carve out a viable living. Free movement involves lowering controls at borders for residents of participating jurisdictions.
The concept of free movement reached a big milestone in 1985 with the initial signing of the Schengen Agreement (named after a small village in Luxembourg). Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were the original signers, agreeing to gradually remove controls at their internal borders and to ‘introduce freedom of movement for all nationals of the signatory countries.’
The implementation of the Schengen Agreement officially began in 1995 and initially involved just seven EU countries. However, it has since expanded to most EU countries, with the exception of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania. By many measures, the free movement effort has yielded several positives for the European continent.
Unfortunately, it may also be a major hurdle for cannabis policy modernization efforts on the continent according to Mikuláš Peksa, Chairperson of the European Pirate Party.
“Any country wishing to legalise cannabis faces obstacles making legislation compliant with international agreements.” Mikuláš Peksa stated according to original reporting by Business of Cannabis.
“However, this is achievable particularly for countries outside the European Union, but the biggest obstacle for countries in the EU is the Schengen Agreement.” Peksa went on to state. He also indicated that an amendment to the Schengen Agreement may be on the way. “Our aim is to make legalisation possible for all member states.”
Read their full report at
Policymaker Points To Schengen Agreement As Major Hurdle For European Cannabis Reform
