Romania and Bulgaria are set to join Europe’s Schengen free-travel area as full members starting next month, marking a significant milestone for the two countries. The European Union announced on Thursday that the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria will bring the total number of nations in the Schengen area to 29.
As of January 1, checks at land borders between Bulgaria and Romania will be lifted, following Austria’s decision to drop its veto on the grounds that the two countries needed to enhance efforts to combat illegal immigration. Both Romania and Bulgaria, as members of the EU and NATO alliance, had previously only partially joined the Schengen zone in March after reaching an agreement with Austria.
While air and maritime border checks for Romania and Bulgaria were already eased with other Schengen nations, negotiations with Austria regarding land entry had been ongoing until now, with a resolution finally reached. Austria highlighted that its demands on Bulgaria and Romania had already resulted in a decrease in the number of migrants intercepted near the border with Hungary, a common route for migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking entry into northern Europe.
Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter emphasized the positive impact of this development, stating, “This step will benefit not only Bulgarian and Romanian citizens but also the EU as a whole.” The move is expected to streamline travel procedures, reduce waiting times at borders, and cut down logistics costs for companies operating in the region, making Romania and Bulgaria more appealing for foreign investors, as noted by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Although the Schengen agreements are designed to facilitate free movement within the zone, some member states like Germany and the Netherlands have recently ramped up border controls in response to concerns about illegal immigration. However, the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria is seen as a step towards enhancing connectivity and cooperation within Europe, with potential economic benefits and improved cross-border relations.
This latest development underscores the ongoing evolution of the Schengen area and the EU’s commitment to fostering closer ties among member states. The expansion of the Schengen zone to include Romania and Bulgaria reflects a continued push towards greater integration and collaboration within Europe, despite challenges such as migration and security concerns.
In conclusion, Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership in the Schengen free-travel area represents a significant milestone for both countries and the broader European community. This decision is poised to bring about tangible benefits in terms of economic growth, security, and cross-border cooperation, further solidifying the bonds among EU member states as they work towards a more cohesive and prosperous future together.
