Romania and Bulgaria to Join the Schengen Area: A Step Towards Borderless Europe
Romania and Bulgaria have been members of the European Union since 2007. The European Commission has maintained that both countries have met the criteria for joining the Schengen Area for over two years. However, their full accession was delayed, and they were only allowed to participate in limited capacities starting this past spring, where border controls were lifted exclusively for air travel.
The Austrian government previously opposed their entry into the Schengen Area, with Prime Minister Karl Nehammer and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (both from the Austrian People's Party) expressing concerns about inadequate border protection, particularly regarding the boundary with Turkey. They argued that the influx of migrants entering through these countries was poorly managed, contributing to a rise in irregular crossings into Austria, particularly affecting the Burgenland region.
Despite these objections, Austria's current administration has signaled a shift in policy, paving the way for Romania and Bulgaria to enjoy full Schengen benefits beginning January 1, 2025. Interior Minister Karner emphasized that Austria's strict yet constructive approach has enhanced security throughout Europe. He cited a significant drop in irregular border crossings in Burgenland--from 70,000 in 2022 to just 4,000 this year, reflecting a trend toward stabilization.
Both Romania and Bulgaria have also committed to cooperating with Austria concerning the return of migrants whose asylum claims fall under their jurisdiction as per EU regulations. This cooperation was further solidified through an agreement signed by Karner in Budapest with officials from Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, aimed at enhancing border control collaboration.
The Schengen Area, named after the initial agreements signed in Luxembourg in 1985 and 1990, originally included only five countries: Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Today, it encompasses 29 nations, allowing for free movement across most of Europe, with the notable exceptions of Ireland and Cyprus. Recent years have seen many governments, including those of Germany and France, reintroduce border checks to manage irregular migration effectively.
Countries with external EU borders, such as Romania and Bulgaria, face heightened responsibilities in safeguarding the Schengen Area. They have initiated pilot projects at their borders to implement new asylum rules, which include expedited processing and rapid deportation of migrants. However, human rights organizations have raised concerns regarding the treatment of migrants in Bulgaria, suggesting that harsh conditions may be employed to facilitate Schengen accession.
Despite Austria's claims attributing the decline in migrant numbers to their rigorous border policy, EU statistics indicate a broader reduction in migration across Europe, with an overall decrease of 40% in irregular arrivals compared to the previous year. Bulgaria and Romania have experienced an even more pronounced reduction.
The recent Austrian parliamentary elections may also have influenced the decision to lift the veto against Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen membership. The government of Prime Minister Nehammer aimed to counteract the populist rhetoric of the Freedom Party but may not have achieved the desired electoral outcome.
The Austrian blockade had significant repercussions, particularly for the tourism sectors in Romania and Bulgaria, with lengthy border delays impacting trade and travel. Estimates indicate that Romania suffered annual losses of approximately ten billion euros due to these restrictions, while Bulgaria faced losses of around one billion euros. The negative sentiment stemming from the perception of being treated as second-class citizens within the EU may also have contributed to the popularity of far-right political figures in Romania.
