# Schengen Area (2007)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/2007-schengen-area
Location: Poland

Poland joined the Schengen Area, abolishing passport controls on its borders with other member states. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (21 December 2007), the governing authority was Lech Kaczyński (President of Poland). Former Mayor of Warsaw; died with 95 others in the Smolensk air disaster. Schengen Area mattered because it anchored Poland more firmly in the institutions of a united Europe. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Schengen Area mattered because it anchored Poland more firmly in the institutions of a united Europe.

Ruler at the time: [Lech Kaczyński](https://poland-history.com/rulers/lech-kaczynski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Schengen Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Schengen Area](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Schengen+Area)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))