European Commission Pushes for Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen |

Name: European Commission Pushes for Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen | IaM
Uploaded: 2023-09-14T12:19:47+00:00
Description: The Schengen Area, established in 1985, stands as one of the most prominent symbols of European integration.

European Commission Pushes for Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen Accession by Year-End

The Schengen Area, established in 1985, stands as one of the most prominent symbols of European integration. This passport-free zone now includes 27 countries, comprising 23 EU member states.

However, a couple of EU members have yet to fully experience the benefits of unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area. Joining Schengen involves meeting specific criteria, such as adopting common rules, maintaining effective border management, sharing security information, and fostering police cooperation.

Bulgaria and Romania, both assert they have met these qualifying standards for years and have consistently maintained their adherence to Schengen prerequisites.

With the support of the European Commission, these countries are poised for accession into the EU's free movement zone, aiming for approval by the end of 2023.

On September 13, 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated explicitly that both countries should be admitted to the Schengen Area “without further delay.”

In her State of the Union address, President von der Leyen affirmed Bulgaria and Romania’s readiness for Schengen membership. She declared, “They have proved it: Bulgaria and Romania are part of our Schengen area.”

Continued Opposition To Schengen Expansion

Following opposition from Austria and the Netherlands, the European Council denied Bulgaria and Romania's bid to join the EU's passport-free zone last year. To finalise membership to the Schengen Zone, all 27 member states must agree unanimously.

The Austrian government has maintained its refusal to allow Romania and Bulgaria to join the passport-free Schengen area, claiming that extending the visa-free zone now makes no sense due to migration concerns. This is despite calls from within the EU administrative apparatus for the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria before the end of the year.

Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said that currently there is no reason to discuss an expansion of the Schengen area. “We need more controls, not less,” he said in a statement cited by Euractiv.

What are your thoughts on Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen Zone? Talk to us in the comment section below.

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What are your thoughts on Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen Zone? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

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