Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the Schengen Area on 1st January 2025, removing land border controls with neighbouring countries. This long-awaited milestone comes after years of delays due to political and security concerns.
However, their accession occurs against a backdrop of escalating migration pressures and the reintroduction of temporary border controls across much of the Schengen Area, raising questions about the zone’s resilience and cohesion.
A Landmark Decision in a Fragmented Zone
Romania and Bulgaria’s path to Schengen membership has been a prolonged process, despite meeting technical criteria as early as 2011. Austria and the Netherlands had previously blocked their accession, citing concerns over irregular migration and insufficient border management.
Their integration into Schengen is expected to strengthen economic ties and facilitate trade and tourism. Yet, the timing underscores the challenges facing Europe’s free movement zone. Several Schengen member states, including Germany, France, and Italy, have recently reintroduced border controls, citing security threats and migration-related issues, highlighting the strain on the system.
A Wave of Temporary Border Controls
Under the Schengen Borders Code, member states may reintroduce border controls temporarily in response to exceptional circumstances. Recently, a wave of such measures has been implemented across Europe, reflecting heightened concerns over terrorism, organised crime, and irregular migration:
- Austria has extended controls with Hungary and Slovenia until May 2025, citing high levels of irregular migration and increased smuggling activities linked to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
- Germany has reinstated checks at its borders with Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and others, addressing security risks associated with smuggling and migration flows.
- France reintroduced border controls with neighbouring countries, including Italy and Spain, citing heightened terrorist threats and pressures on its asylum system.
- The Netherlands implemented new border checks on 9 December 2024, targeting irregular migration and smuggling at its land borders with Germany and Belgium.
- Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, and Norway have all followed suit, implementing or extending border controls in response to various threats, ranging from organised crime to potential espionage linked to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
These measures, while legal under EU rules, highlight growing tensions between the principle of free movement and national security priorities.
A Delicate Balancing Act
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson has expressed concerns about the impact of these controls on Schengen’s integrity. During a plenary debate in October, Johansson warned that internal border controls must remain “temporary, proportionate, and a measure of last resort.” She advocated for alternative solutions, such as joint patrols and enhanced police cooperation, to address security concerns without undermining the principle of free movement.
Johansson’s comments resonate as Romania and Bulgaria prepare to join a Schengen Area that appears increasingly fragmented. Eight Schengen members currently maintain border checks, raising questions about the zone’s capacity to function as intended.
Political Shifts Enable Progress
Romania and Bulgaria’s accession became possible after significant political changes within the EU. Austria, previously a vocal opponent, lifted its veto this week, with Interior Minister Gerhard Karner citing improvements in migration cooperation. The Netherlands also reversed its stance, though officials expressed lingering reservations.
While these developments allowed the accession to proceed, they also reflect the underlying tensions within the bloc. Critics argue that the decision to admit Romania and Bulgaria, though politically significant, risks further straining a system already under pressure.
Challenges for Schengen Governance
The Schengen Area, expanded to 27 countries with this enlargement, is now home to 450 million people across 4.5 million square kilometres. While this growth demonstrates the EU’s commitment to free movement, the reintroduction of border controls by several member states signals significant vulnerabilities.
Reforms to Schengen governance, including updates to the Schengen Border Code and the Pact on Migration and Asylum, aim to address these challenges. However, effective implementation will require strong cooperation and trust among member states, which has been tested by recent unilateral actions.
Implications for Romania and Bulgaria
For Romania and Bulgaria, full Schengen membership is a long-awaited achievement, promising greater mobility and economic integration. Yet, their inclusion comes with heightened expectations to manage external borders effectively and address migration challenges. Critics warn that failure to meet these obligations could exacerbate existing tensions within the zone.
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