Romania's Path to Schengen Membership: Austria Considers Lifting Veto

Romania’s Path to Schengen Membership: Austria Considers Lifting Veto

Romania is closer than ever to full Schengen membership, with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu suggesting that Romania’s land borders could join the Schengen Zone by March 2025.

While Romania gained partial Schengen access by air and sea on March 31, 2024, its land borders remain restricted.

After years of blocking Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen membership over concerns about irregular migration, Austria is now reconsidering its veto. This shift comes after Austria’s EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, urged full Schengen membership for both countries. Austria’s Ministry of the Interior, Gerhard Karner, noted that illegal migration numbers through Romania and Bulgaria have “fallen massively,” reflecting progress that Austria had hoped for.

Karner, speaking at a recent EU parliament hearing, added that while Austria has achieved “significant improvements in border protection and returns” due to the veto, the ultimate goal is to reduce illegal migration to zero. If Austria’s veto is indeed lifted, Romania could gain full Schengen status, allowing unrestricted movement across their borders and the rest of Europe.

With presidential elections scheduled for November 24, 2024, Ciolacu mentioned that a decision on land border access could come by December 8, depending on the election’s outcome.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) is expected to discuss Romania’s Schengen status during the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on December 13. Should a positive decision be reached, Romania’s land borders could become part of Schengen as early as spring 2025.

Hungary’s Support for Romania’s Full Membership

Romania has also gained support from Hungary, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently called for Romania’s full Schengen membership by the end of this year.

During the October 10 Council meeting, Hungary voiced its backing for Romania’s entry, although no vote was held on the matter.

Romanian Prime Minister Confident in Schengen Future

Prime Minister Ciolacu remains optimistic, emphasising positive talks with Austrian officials. He believes Romania will achieve full Schengen membership by the end of 2024, a move that would allow the country to finally integrate its land borders into the Schengen Zone and enjoy the benefits of unrestricted movement.

If Austria lifts its veto and the EU votes in Romania’s favour, Romania’s land border integration into the Schengen Zone would mark a significant milestone, enhancing mobility and strengthening ties across Europe.

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