Bulgaria and Romania Set to Partially Integrate into Schengen Area
Bulgaria and Romania are poised to partially join the Schengen Area, as EU member states agree to eliminate air and maritime border checks from March 31.
Alex Carter
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 10:06 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - The integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen free movement area will be partially realized on March 31, with the elimination of checks at their air and maritime borders. This development arises from the agreement among the 27 member states of the European Union. The timing aligns with the transition from winter to summer schedules organized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), streamlining travel during the period of heavier traffic. However, internal land border checks within the EU will remain until a further decision is made by the member states, as noted by the European Council.
European Commission Endorses Move
The European Commission has heralded the partial integration as a milestone, concluding twelve years of protracted discussions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the historic importance of this decision for the two countries, emphasizing pride in this achievement for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens. The Commission has deemed Bulgaria and Romania ready for Schengen membership since 2011, and this move represents a significant step towards full incorporation.
A positive shift in Austria’s stance, which had formerly blocked their entry due to concerns about heightened illegal immigration, has contributed to this outcome. After negotiating certain assurances, Austria rescinded its veto. In response, Bulgaria and Romania have committed to a more vigorous stance on combating illegal immigration, as manifested in a joint declaration signed with Vienna.
The move to partially include Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone is seen as a vital step in the enlargement of the region associated with free movement, which is fundamental to the European Union's ethos of unimpeded travel. As citizens of these countries anticipate the next phase of integration, European institutions and neighboring countries will closely observe the impacts of this historic agreement.
