The European Council announced on Saturday a significant decision: Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, albeit partially, in March 2024. These two nations, which have been part of the European Union since 2007, faced rejection from the Schengen zone at the end of 2022. The vast area enables over 400 million people to travel without internal border checks.
This rejection stemmed from Austria’s veto, citing concerns over its disproportionately high intake of undocumented immigrants due to inadequately protected external Schengen borders.
The breakthrough came this Saturday, with all 27 EU member states unanimously agreeing to lift controls at Romania and Bulgaria’s air and sea borders starting March 31. However, discussions about opening land borders will be held next year.
The European Commission expressed its support for this partial integration into the Schengen zone, marking the culmination of 12 years of negotiations. The Commission views this expansion as a strengthening factor for the EU, both internally and globally.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described this event as a “historic moment,” acknowledging the pride and deservedness of both Bulgaria and Romania. She emphasized that their inclusion will fortify the Schengen area.
Currently, the Schengen area, established in 1985, comprises 23 of the 27 EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.