EU ambassadors have approved Bulgaria and Romania’s long-awaited full accession to the Schengen Area, a milestone decision that could come into effect from 1 January 2025. The countries have been seeking to join the passport-free zone since meeting technical criteria in 2010.
The decision was confirmed during a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States (COREPER) on 27 November. According to the announcement by Hungary, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, the ambassadors concluded preparations for a Council of the EU decision to lift internal border checks at land crossings with Bulgaria and Romania.
Official Approval Pending
The formal adoption of the measure is anticipated during the EU Council meeting scheduled for 12 December 2024. If approved, this will mark the final step towards integrating Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Zone.
Both countries have fulfilled the required technical standards for Schengen membership for over a decade. However, their accession faced persistent opposition from Austria and the Netherlands. These countries cited concerns over inadequate measures to manage irregular migration, delaying the process despite growing consensus among other EU states.
Progress in Stages
The journey towards Schengen membership saw partial progress earlier this year. In late 2023, EU member states agreed on a limited accession framework for Bulgaria and Romania. This arrangement, which lifted border checks at airports and seaports, came into force on 30 March 2024. However, land border checks remained in place, leaving both countries outside the Schengen Area’s full scope.
Austria’s Final Objections Resolved
Austria’s longstanding objections were lifted last week following an agreement on a package of measures aimed at strengthening EU-wide efforts to combat irregular migration. This breakthrough paved the way for the latest endorsement by EU ambassadors.
The removal of Austria’s opposition was seen as a crucial step in addressing the last significant hurdle to Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen aspirations.
Implications for the EU and the Region
The decision to admit Bulgaria and Romania fully into the Schengen Zone is expected to bring practical benefits to the region, including streamlined cross-border travel and enhanced economic integration. Businesses and citizens in both countries have long expressed frustration over the barriers imposed by land border checks, which have complicated trade and mobility.
The enlargement of the Schengen Area also carries symbolic significance, signalling the EU’s commitment to equal treatment among its member states. The protracted delays faced by Bulgaria and Romania had been criticised as unfair and counterproductive to European unity.
Romania and Bulgaria fully belong to the Schengen area. Eliminating internal land border controls is the final hurdle. I welcome the positive outcome of today’s informal talks in Budapest. The official decision is coming.
Next Steps
Should the EU Council formally adopt the decision in December, Bulgaria and Romania will join 27 other European countries in enjoying unrestricted travel across the Schengen Zone. The development will likely lead to greater cohesion within the bloc while underscoring the EU’s capacity to resolve internal disagreements through negotiation and compromise.
Background
The Schengen Area, established in 1995, currently comprises 27 European countries, facilitating free movement across member states by eliminating internal border controls. Bulgaria and Romania have been EU members since 2007 but were excluded from Schengen membership due to concerns over governance and border management.
This latest move comes amid broader EU efforts to strengthen external border security and address migration challenges. By aligning internal policies and resolving differences, the bloc aims to reinforce its commitment to shared values and regional stability.
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