The Schengen area is a zone of free movement that includes 27 European countries. It got its name from the Schengen Agreement, which was signed in 1985 in the small Luxembourgish village of Schengen. The goal of the agreement was to abolish internal border controls and enable the free movement of persons within that area. Schengen Area members include most European countries, including most European Union (EU) countries and some non-EU countries such as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. Within Schengen, people can travel between countries without the need for a passport or border control. This facilitates tourism, business trips and trade within the area. The Republic of Croatia became a member of the European Union in 2013 and the final decision on the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the Schengen area was unanimously adopted by the member states at the meeting of the Council of Ministers for Internal Affairs in Brussels on December 8, 2022. As of January 1, 2023, border controls at internal land and sea borders will cease, and from March 26, 2023, at airport border crossings for passengers coming from member states of the Schengen area. The Republic of Croatia is subject to an assessment procedure in order to verify compliance with the technical standards and rules of the Schengen area. This process includes an assessment of border control, Schengen visa policy, police cooperation and personal data protection. Accession to the Schengen Area requires harmonization of legislation, strengthening of borders and implementation of rigorous security measures. The Republic of Croatia has made significant progress in improving its border controls and security. Accession of the Republic of Croatia to the Schengen Area has numerous advantages. In addition to freedom of movement for citizens, this would have positive effects on tourism, trade and the economy. It would also further strengthen cooperation with other EU and Schengen member states in the area of security and crime prevention.