Are Bulgaria and Romania Joining the Schengen Zone?

The European Union has long been a beacon of unity and collaboration among its member states. One of the fundamental aspects promoting this unity is the Schengen Zone, which enables passport-free travel across its member countries. Recent developments indicate that Bulgaria and Romania, two Balkan nations, may soon find themselves part of this coveted area, marking a significant milestone in their EU journey.

The Schengen expansion has been a subject of deliberation and negotiation among EU member states. After years of discussion and scrutiny, an agreement was reached, paving the way for Bulgaria and Romania to implement Schengen system rules at their ports and airports from the end of March.

Also Read: List of Documents Needed for Canada Student Visa (Updated Checklist)

This development holds promise for travelers holding Schengen visas, as they will enjoy easier access to these countries, streamlining their maritime and air travel experiences. However, the road to this agreement was not without its hurdles.

Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, faced opposition from certain EU nations due to concerns regarding issues such as corruption, organized crime, and border security. Both countries had struggled with corruption in the past, but recent improvements in these areas have been acknowledged by EU authorities.

The agreement primarily focuses on easing entry through maritime and air routes, but discussions linger regarding the relaxation of rules for land borders. Austria, once the primary holdout against this expansion, has partially lifted its veto. Nevertheless, Austria remains cautious about potential challenges, particularly a perceived risk of increased migration. To address these concerns, Austria aims to fortify land borders with additional EU funding and insists on the involvement of Sofia and Bucharest in hosting migrants from conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan.

The economic implications of this Schengen expansion are considerable for Bulgaria and Romania. Opening land borders is anticipated to significantly impact commercial traffic, reducing congestion and wait times for trucks transporting goods from Greece and Turkey across the Danube River. Bulgarian officials, notably Finance Minister Assen Vassilev, highlight the economic benefits and underline their determination to push for the opening of land borders, recognizing the potential boost for their economies.

This step toward Schengen inclusion signifies progress for both Bulgaria and Romania in aligning with EU standards and fostering regional cooperation. It represents their commitment to meet the requirements set forth by the EU while also demonstrating their readiness to collaborate closely with other member states.

The Schengen area, established in 1985 with ten member states initially, has expanded to include 23 of the 27 EU member states, along with neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The pending addition of Bulgaria and Romania stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of European integration.

In conclusion, while the journey for Bulgaria and Romania to join the Schengen Zone has seen its share of challenges, the recent agreement to implement Schengen system rules for ports and airports marks a significant stride forward. As discussions continue and efforts persist, these Balkan nations eagerly anticipate the day when their land borders, too, will be part of this seamless European travel experience.