The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985, was a pivotal moment in European integration, emerging against a backdrop of post-World War II reconciliation and Cold War tensions. Countries in Western Europe sought to foster economic cooperation and stability, leading to the gradual removal of border controls. This agreement paved the way for greater mobility among member states, reflecting the desire to create a more cohesive European identity. By the early 1990s, the Schengen Area expanded, facilitating the free movement of people, which was seen as fundamental for economic growth and the strengthening of the European Union amidst the challenges of globalization.