2023-12-30 23:36:22
The countries of the European Union (EU) yesterday unanimously agreed on the gradual entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen free movement area after Austria, the last country of the Twenty-seven to oppose the measure, lifted his veto.
The decision implies that, from March, controls will be eliminated at the internal air and sea borders with these two countries – which entered the EU in 2007 -, with the commitment in addition to Austria, Bulgaria and Romania to agree later on the date of the end of ground controls, informed the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU.
“Congratulations to the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria on the extension of Schengen for sea and air passengers,” said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, through his profile on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Michel pointed out that this is “a long-awaited step by Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to enjoy easier freedom of movement, with the perspective of land transport pending arrival”.
Spanish satisfaction
Sources from the Ministry of the Interior of Spain described the agreement – which culminates 12 years of negotiations – as “historic” and assured that it was one of the priorities of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU, which ends tomorrow
They also stated that the progressive lifting of controls at the internal borders of Bulgaria and Romania will “strengthen and expand” the European area of free movement and facilitate the movement of millions of people, with “a social and economic impact very positive for the whole region.”
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This has been the last agreement of the Council under the Spanish presidency of the EU for the second half of 2023. Interior has assured that this agreement was one of the “priorities” of the department of Fernando Grande-Marlaska during the Spanish presidency.
In addition, they noted that this Spanish presidency and its negotiating determination have served to “overcome persistent reluctance and reach a fair and historic agreement”.
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