Exciting developments are unfolding in Europe as Bulgaria and Romania set their sights on their long-awaited inclusion in the Schengen Zone. According to Euractiv, both Balkan states are set to be admitted in two significant stages: the lifting of airport border controls from October this year, and then, come January 2024, the elimination of ground border checks.
Euractiv's report, citing Bulgarian sources, indicates that the EU's headquarters in Brussels is gearing up to welcome both states into the border-free Schengen Area as early as October this year. This potential breakthrough comes on the heels of both nations demonstrating sustained willingness for essential reforms. Interestingly, one of the most formidable obstacles to Schengen membership, namely the veto from the Netherlands, appears to have been set aside.
However, the path to Schengen has been fraught with challenges. Last December, while Croatia's accession to the Schengen Zone received the green light, the bids from Bulgaria and Romania were thwarted by Austria and the Netherlands, primarily due to concerns around illegal migration.
Austrian Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, was vocal about this resistance, noting, "It is not right for a system that is not working in many places to be expanded at this time."
Despite this opposition, recent developments bring hope. In May of this year, the European Commission appealed to the Council, urging them to welcome both these Balkan nations into the Schengen Zone. This plea was echoed in the second State of Schengen Report, which was published in mid-May.
Moreover, the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Nickolay Denkov, has expressed his government's resolve to expedite this much sought-after process, promising systemic improvements in areas such as border control management.
To further the cause, European Union Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, has been actively advocating for Schengen expansion and hopes to address Austrian authorities' apprehensions. Significantly, Metsola also raised the issue of asylum and expressed confidence in the impending agreement which could pave the way for the smoother inclusion of the two Balkan states.
In an encouraging gesture, over 100 youth organizations from across Europe, including the Romanian Youth Council, have voiced their support for Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen Zone. They have adopted a motion titled "Freedom of movement for all: Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Zone" during the General Assembly of the European Youth Forum held in Brussels.
The effects of delayed Schengen admission are not just political but also environmental. A report by KPMG Romania points out the significant environmental footprint, with an estimated 46,000 tonnes of CO2 produced annually due to vehicles waiting at border checks.
As the final decision looms, www.etiasregistration.co.uk is your trusted resource for ETIAS registration and up-to-date information on changes in European travel. Stay updated on Bulgaria and Romania's journey to Schengen membership and learn how it could influence your future travel.
