EU Border Checks on Romania and Bulgaria May End January 1

Name: EU Border Checks on Romania and Bulgaria May End January 1 | IaM
Uploaded: 2024-11-23T16:00:00+00:00
Description: Romania and Bulgaria may soon become full members of the EU's Schengen free-travel zone, according to

Charlie Immigration updates 23 November 2024 | Updated On November 25, 2024 | 0

Romania and Bulgaria may soon become full members of the EU's Schengen free-travel zone, according to Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson.

The announcement on November 22 marks a potential turning point in their long-standing bid, with membership possibly starting on January 1.

Both countries were slated to join the Schengen zone alongside Croatia in 2023, but the plan stalled after Austria objected, citing Bulgaria and Romania’s alleged inability to manage a surge in migrants along the Western Balkan route. The Netherlands also opposed Bulgaria’s entry.

While air and maritime border checks with the two countries were lifted earlier this year, internal land border controls remain in place pending a formal EU Council decision.

Progress in Budapest Talks

A recent meeting in Budapest brought together interior ministers from Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania, resulting in a joint declaration to “initiate the necessary steps” for lifting land border controls. The agreement hinges on continued efforts to curb irregular migration.

However, the declaration stipulates that border checks between Hungary and Romania, as well as between Romania and Bulgaria, will remain for at least six months to address any potential threats to public order or security.

The next key milestone is the EU Council meeting on December 12, where Johansson expressed hope that ministers will finalise January 1 as the start date for lifting land border checks.

Johansson emphasised that Romania and Bulgaria have met — and exceeded — all Schengen criteria. She pointed to a significant 80% drop in migration along the Western Balkan route and a smooth transition since air borders were opened, adding that overall irregular migration to the EU has decreased by 40%.

Economic and Political Impact

Austria’s veto has drawn criticism from Romania and Bulgaria, where prolonged border checks have caused economic disruptions, including supply chain delays and long queues at crossings. Full Schengen membership is expected to provide a much-needed economic boost, particularly through smoother trade and travel by land.

The timing is politically significant for Romania's Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who is leading in the polls for the upcoming presidential election. “Romanians have already felt the benefits of partial Schengen entry, but full accession will accelerate economic growth, especially via land routes,” Ciolacu stated.

If the Council approves the deal, it will mark a major step forward for Romania and Bulgaria, finally integrating them fully into Europe’s free-travel zone after years of delays.

Do you think Romania and Bulgaria will fully join Schengen by the end of the year? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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