Schengen zone grows

The prime ministers of Austria and Slovakia have symbolically dismantled a border checkpoint between the two countries. It is part of the latest expansion of the EU's so-called Schengen zone. Schengen zone grows Nine countries are joining the zone from midnight - bringing to 24 the number of nations to have abolished internal passport controls. The latest wave of members includes eight former communist states, and Malta. Switzerland will become the 25th Schengen country when it joins next year. The enlarged free-travel area will encompass some 400 million people - 30 percent more than the population of the U.S. It also mean visitors to the zone will be able to travel across internal borders with just a single visa. Tourism is one business expected to benefit. But what some are calling the end of the Iron Curtain, is also causing concerns about a possible rise in illegal immigration and crime, as it becomes easier to traffic drugs and people across frontiers. (Tanjug)

Schengen zone grows

Nine countries are joining the zone from midnight - bringing to 24 the number of nations to have abolished internal passport controls.

The latest wave of members includes eight former communist states, and Malta.

Switzerland will become the 25th Schengen country when it joins next year.

The enlarged free-travel area will encompass some 400 million people - 30 percent more than the population of the U.S.

It also mean visitors to the zone will be able to travel across internal borders with just a single visa.

Tourism is one business expected to benefit.

But what some are calling the end of the Iron Curtain, is also causing concerns about a possible rise in illegal immigration and crime, as it becomes easier to traffic drugs and people across frontiers.