The anticipation surrounding Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area has recently increased, with Hungary’s Interior Minister Sándor Pintér announcing that they could potentially become full members by January 2025.
Progress Achieved
Both Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 and saw a partial admission to the Schengen Area in March 2024—lifting air and maritime border checks with other EU member states, albeit land checks remained a contentious issue due to Austria’s opposition.
The Road Ahead
- A meeting of EU interior ministers is scheduled for 11 December 2024, where a final decision will be made.
- Austria has recently softened its stance, indicating a willingness to support the two countries’ full Schengen membership.
- A security package will be presented, which includes deploying at least 100 border guards to bolster security along the Bulgaria-Turkey border.
Voices from Leaders
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed optimism in a social media post, stating, “This is a great day to achieve the full freedom for all the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area, and I’m very happy today.” Hungarian officials echoed this sentiment, emphasising that both countries have made significant strides towards meeting Schengen’s entry criteria.
A Historical Context
The Schengen Area, established in 1985, previously comprised 23 of the 27 EU member countries along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Currently, approximately 3.5 million people cross internal borders daily. The EU Commission has indicated that both nations have satisfied all necessary Schengen requirements—despite historical hurdles linked to immigration and border security.
Looking Forward
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu described the upcoming meeting as “crucial” for finalising the documentation required for their full membership. It’s worth noting that the Dutch parliament’s approval will also be needed, as they have been firmly against Bulgaria’s entry due to differing views on security and immigration policies.
As the clock ticks towards the end of the year, Bulgaria and Romania’s journey towards complete Schengen membership could mark a significant milestone for both countries and the EU at large—strengthening the borderless travel ethos that Schengen embodies.