In March 2024, Romania and Bulgaria are slated for a partial integration into the Schengen area of free movement, as declared by the European Council on Saturday, Voice of Europe reports.
Having been EU members since 2007, both countries faced rejection from the expansive Schengen zone at the close of 2022. Initially hindered by Austria, which cited hosting an excessive number of undocumented immigrants due to inadequately protected external Schengen borders, the two nations’ air and sea borders will now see the lifting of controls starting March 31, following unanimous agreement by the 27 EU member states.
While discussions on opening land borders are set to continue in the coming year, the European Commission commended the partial inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria after 12 years of negotiations, emphasizing that an expanded Schengen area will fortify the EU both internally and on the global stage. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen termed the development a “historic moment” and expressed pride for Bulgaria and Romania, foreseeing their contributions to strengthening the Schengen framework. The Schengen area, established in 1985, presently comprises 23 EU member states and their associated neighbors Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein
