Romania and Bulgaria Set to Join Schengen Area as EU Council Announces Lifting of Land Border Controls

The European Council has set a date for lifting land border controls, paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen Area. This decision, made at a recent EU Council meeting, will enable the free movement of people between these two countries and the rest of the 26-member Schengen zone.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson proposed that the Council set a date this year for removing controls at land borders for Romania and Bulgaria. The specific date was not provided, but the decision marks a significant milestone in the integration of the two countries into the EU's border-free travel area.

Romania and Bulgaria have been working towards Schengen membership for years, and this development comes after they partially joined the visa-free zone on March 31, 2023. At that time, the EU's Justice and Home Affairs Council decided to scrap checks at air and maritime borders between the two countries and other Schengen states, after Austria lifted its veto.

Why this matters: The full Schengen accession of Romania and Bulgaria will strengthen the EU's internal market and enhance the free movement of people within the bloc. It also represents a major step forward in the countries' European integration efforts and is expected to bring economic benefits.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the importance of lifting all barriers to the single market's operation, including the four freedoms of movement, for Romania's Schengen accession process. A Council-commissioned report also mentioned that Romania and Bulgaria's full Schengen integration would boost the single market.

Interior ministers from Romania and Bulgaria, along with Commissioner Johansson, have discussed the countries' readiness for lifting land border checks and measures to counter organized crime and illegal migration. Johansson expressed hope that a precise date for full accession would be set this year.

The lifting of air and sea border controls in March was celebrated as a historic moment and a significant achievement for both countries. Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă stated, "We are meeting the Romanians' legitimate expectations. We are consolidating Romania's European course, with immense benefits for citizens and for our economy."

While the removal of land border controls is still pending, Romania and Bulgaria are hopeful that this will be achieved by the end of 2024. The countries have also joined a regional police initiative with Austria, Greece, and Slovakia to counter migrant flows, and Frontex plans to triple its officers in Bulgaria to help stem crossings from Turkey.

Key Takeaways

• EU Council sets date to lift land border controls for Romania and Bulgaria to join Schengen.
• Romania and Bulgaria partially joined EU's visa-free zone on March 31, 2023, after Austria lifted veto.
• Full Schengen accession will strengthen EU's internal market and free movement of people.
• Romania and Bulgaria to coordinate with Frontex to counter organized crime and illegal migration.
• Removal of land border controls expected by end of 2024, boosting economic benefits for both countries.