Romania and Bulgaria are on the brink of joining the Schengen Area after 18 years in the EU, with border controls set to be lifted on January 1. Political hurdles and concerns over border security had delayed their membership. Austria recently withdrew its veto, partly due to upcoming elections. Both countries are enhancing border measures, but face domestic instability that complicates their ambitions, including Bulgaria’s goal of joining the Eurozone.
Romania and Bulgaria Take a Major Step Towards Schengen Membership
After 18 years of being part of the European Union, Romania and Bulgaria are on the verge of achieving full membership in the Schengen Area. This week, EU interior ministers initiated the process to lift border controls at the land borders of these Southeast European nations, set to take effect on January 1. Until now, the Schengen arrangements primarily applied to air and sea travel.
Political Challenges and Border Control Concerns
This decision marks the conclusion of a prolonged struggle that has left both countries feeling marginalized within the EU. Despite meeting the technical requirements for Schengen membership since 2011, political hesitance had stalled progress, as the approval of all member states is necessary.
The migration crisis of 2015 heightened concerns about the ability of Romania and Bulgaria to secure their external borders. Ongoing issues with corruption raised doubts about their capacity to manage migration effectively. Incidents at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, although related to import irregularities, further fueled skepticism.
Support for easing border controls has been minimal, particularly in southeastern Europe, where Bulgaria and Romania have often been viewed as transit nations, overshadowed by primary migration routes through the Western Balkans. This sentiment was particularly evident when Croatia was allowed into the Schengen Area during the last expansion, while Austria and the Netherlands continued to voice concerns regarding the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, with Austria’s objections often perceived as influenced by domestic political dynamics.
On Monday, Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced the withdrawal of his veto against Romanian and Bulgarian Schengen entry. This decision was reportedly influenced by the upcoming parliamentary elections in September. The conservative ÖVP party, of which Karner is a member, has been attempting to counter the rise of the far-right FPÖ by adopting a stringent migration policy, although this strategy has seen limited success recently.
Karner defended the earlier veto by citing the significant number of illegal crossings at the Hungarian border recorded two years ago, labeling it a “cry for help from Austria.” However, with Romania and Bulgaria enhancing their border security measures, the number of illegal crossings has decreased, leading Karner to state that the past resistance was “right and necessary.”
As a compromise, Austria will present a border protection package that was formulated three weeks ago in collaboration with Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary. This agreement will see around one hundred security personnel deployed to the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
The Austrian government’s previous blockade faced internal criticism, especially as the economy relies on seamless trade within the internal market, with many Romanian and Bulgarian workers commuting to Austria, particularly in the healthcare sector. Reactions to the recent concession have been largely positive, although the FPÖ condemned it as a “capitulation,” claiming it sends the wrong message to smugglers.
Despite this significant advancement, celebrations in Bucharest and Sofia are subdued compared to the jubilant atmosphere in Croatia two years prior. While the entry into the Schengen Zone is a long-desired achievement, travelers can still expect delays at the borders due to the reintroduction of temporary controls by several states, including Austria’s request for ongoing spot checks at the Bulgaria-Romania border during the first half of the year.
Adding to the challenges, both nations are grappling with substantial domestic political instability. Romania is reeling from the unexpected success of far-right, pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu in the initial round of presidential elections, coupled with the controversial annulment of those results. Bulgaria, on the other hand, has been unable to form a stable government after seven elections in just three years, with citizens likely facing another election in the upcoming year. This political turmoil further delays Bulgaria’s goal of joining the Eurozone, a priority for Sofia.