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Joining The European Sky

by Zlender | April 8, 2008 at 01:26 am

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Though I like everything that can make my travels smoother and faster I think there are 2 bigger problems. First is security control which in my experience takes a lot longer than simple passport control and the second one is baggage claim when you arrive. So this change is more symbolic than anything else for me.

A high-profile ceremony marks the final step in Slovenia’s entry into the Schengen Agreement area: the expansion of checkpoint-free travel to Slovenia’s airports.

A number of Slovenian politicians and EU officials attended the March 31 ceremony at Ljubljana’s Jože Pučnik Airport. The keynote speaker, Prime Minister Janez Janša, said that the common Schengen area is “one of the cornerstones of freedom, cooperation, and progress in the EU.” He also described the now abandoned border control facilities as “monuments of opportunities not taken by previous generations.”

The introduction of new airport procedures represents an important symbolic step for Slovenia. It is the last phase of the country’s entry into the Schengen Agreement area, which already took effect in December for all means of transport except aviation. This final step represents the complete abolition of passport controls between Slovenia and most other EU members.

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Dave Keating

at 01:29 on April 8th, 2008

Heh, Zlender I couldn't disagree more. As someone who makes frequent trips between the UK and the continent I can tell you passport control is without a doubt the longest and most irritating part of the flight. My life would be made much easier if the UK joined Schengen's border-free zone.