Bulgaria and Romania are one step away from completing full integration into the Schengen area. The two countries reached this Friday in Budapest an agreement with Austria for Vienna to eliminate the veto which continues to keep in force the land border controls of both candidates (the end of air traffic controls ended a few months ago) . The idea, put forward by the current Hungarian EU Presidency who coordinated the meeting, is that the final decision will be taken in Brussels on 12 December, so that both states will be full members of the free movement area of people and goods starting, predictably, from January 1st.
“Bulgaria and Romania belong to the Schengen area. In May 2025 we will see how Schengen will be strengthened,” celebrated the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “A stronger Schengen means a stronger Europe,” confirmed the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
After more than a decade of negotiations, in December last year the Twenty-Seven gave their approval to the “full incorporation” of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen, an area of 4.3 million square kilometers and more than 400 million people without passport control. However, it was decided for a “gradual” entry, with an initial lifting of air and sea border controls starting from March. The land ones remain in place due to Austria’s refusal so far to give its final approval, arguing that neither country sufficiently controlled irregular immigration.
In the joint agreement signed on Friday in Budapest, the Austrian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Hungarian interior ministers “recognize the progress made in reducing illegal immigration to Europe” which allows the next steps towards full Schengen integration to be taken. Specifically, they highlight a significant decrease in “illegal entries” into Bulgaria (47%), Romania (53%) and Austria (67%) in the first three quarters of this year, compared to those of 2023. decrease in asylum applications in the same period of 75% in Romania, 40% in Bulgaria and 57.3% in Austria.
Some progress, they add in their joint statement, which allows them to “agree to initiate the necessary steps towards the adoption of the formal Council decision to set a date for the lifting of controls on persons at internal land borders before the end of year.”
In addition to immigration problems, both countries are also considered a major route for illegal trade in weapons, drugs and human trafficking. In a press conference in Budapest, Commissioner Johansson, who has worked hard for an agreement which, if the dates are confirmed, will be concluded by his successor in Brussels, the Austrian Magnus Brunner, however underlined that the two aspiring countries “have have largely respected all the criteria” imposed by the European Executive.
Brussels hopes that Bulgaria and Romania can eliminate internal borders from January 1, so that Schengen can be fully extended to 29 countries.
How might the integration of Bulgaria and Romania into Schengen impact neighboring European countries?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Schengen Area Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an esteemed expert on international relations and migration policy, Dr. Elena Kovacs. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kovacs.
Dr. Elena Kovacs: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Bulgaria and Romania are on the verge of completing their integration into the Schengen Area after years of negotiations. What does this milestone mean for those countries specifically?
Dr. Kovacs: This is a significant achievement for both Bulgaria and Romania. Full integration into Schengen means not just the elimination of traditional border controls but also the ability to participate fully in a critical zone of free movement within Europe. It opens up economic opportunities, enhances tourism, and increases the ease with which citizens can travel, work, and study across borders.
Editor: That’s certainly important. You mentioned economic opportunities. Can you elaborate on how their full membership might impact the economies of Bulgaria and Romania?
Dr. Kovacs: Absolutely. By joining Schengen, both countries will attract more foreign investment as businesses typically prefer regions where the movement of goods and services is streamlined. With reduced border controls, trade efficiency will improve, and exporters can operate more flexibly. Additionally, tourism is expected to surge as travel becomes more convenient, offering both short-term and long-term boosts to their economies.
Editor: Interesting. While Austria has agreed to remove its veto, their concerns about irregular migration have been a sticking point. How do you see this issue evolving as Bulgaria and Romania become full Schengen members?
Dr. Kovacs: Austria’s initial hesitance stemmed from migration concerns, particularly regarding their perceptions of border security. However, as Bulgaria and Romania integrate further into the Schengen zone, there will be increased emphasis on cooperation in border management and migration control across Europe. A stronger Schengen, as noted by Ursula von der Leyen, should also mean enhanced capabilities for all member states to handle migration flows more effectively.
Editor: What changes can we expect once Bulgaria and Romania are officially part of Schengen by January 1st, assuming everything goes as planned?
Dr. Kovacs: Once they join, we can expect a streamlined process for cross-border travel, which will eliminate long wait times at the borders for goods and travelers. It may also lead to enhanced policies for security and law enforcement collaboration among member states, which could address the irregular migration concerns raised by Austria.
Editor: Looking at the broader picture, how does this integration into Schengen reflect on the European Union’s principles of unity and solidarity?
Dr. Kovacs: This is indeed a test of the EU’s commitment to its own founding values of free movement and unity. A stronger Schengen contributes to a more cohesive Europe. It signals to all member states that the EU is committed to integrating newer members and ensuring their voices are part of the continental dialogue. It’s a reminder that solidarity is not only about economic considerations but also about fostering a sense of belonging within Europe.
Editor: That’s an insightful perspective. As we approach the December decision in Brussels, what should we be watching for in this process?
Dr. Kovacs: Watch for discussions and negotiations around security measures, particularly those addressing Austria’s concerns. Additionally, public opinion in both Bulgaria and Romania leading up to this date will be crucial, as governments will want to ensure that their populations feel included and secure with this transition. Also, monitor how other EU member states respond, as their support will be key for a smooth integration process.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Kovacs. Clearly, this is a pivotal moment not just for Bulgaria and Romania, but for the entire EU.
Dr. Kovacs: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time in European politics, and I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for joining us! Stay tuned for more updates on this important issue in the coming weeks.