Austria has proposed allowing Romania and Bulgaria into the passport-free Schengen Area, but only for air travel and with several conditions attached.
Flying Freely, Driving Restricted
Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated in an interview with ORF Radio, the country’s public broadcaster, that he could envision changes as far as airports are concerned for Romania and Bulgaria.
This policy, called ‘Air Schengen,’ would allow citizens of those countries to travel between Schengen countries by plane without passport controls.
However, land borders would remain closed for now.
The proposal comes with a set of prerequisites: Bulgaria must agree to expand Frontex border operations, Romania and Bulgaria need enhanced border surveillance, Austria wants to send document advisers to airports in those countries, and both must accept more asylum seekers.
Mixed Reactions
Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu welcomed Austria’s change of heart, writing on social media: “We broke the ice! This means Romanians will no longer have to stand in long queues when flying within the EU.”
His Bulgarian counterpart, Nikolay Denkov, was more guarded, calling it Austria’s “negotiating position, not the final result.”
The EU Commission said it was a “positive development” and would ensure funds are available for border protection.
Austria’s Conditions Outlined
Karner outlined four specific conditions for allowing even partial Schengen membership:
1. Tripling Frontex Border Officers in Bulgaria
Karner called for a “massive strengthening” of the European Union’s (EU) external border, including tripling the number of Frontex officers deployed in Bulgaria.
This act would reinforce monitoring along the Turkish border.
2. Enhanced Border Surveillance Between Romania, Bulgaria, and Neighbors
Increased border control measures would also be expected along the borders between Romania and Bulgaria as well as between Romania and Hungary and Serbia.
This act aims to alleviate Austrian concerns over irregular migration.
3. Austrian Document Experts Sent to Romanian, Bulgarian Airports
Vienna offered to provide document advisers to work alongside airport teams in both countries.
This would assist in the verification of passenger identities and travel documents ahead of the proposed lifting of air travel restrictions.
4. Increased Relocation of Asylum Seekers
Finally, Austria wants Romania and Bulgaria to take in more asylum seekers, specifically those from Syria and Afghanistan who may have transited through the Balkans.
This demand reflects Austrian efforts to shift responsibility elsewhere.
Reactions from Brussels
The European Commission confirmed receipt of Austria’s proposals and said talks were already underway.
A spokesperson highlighted the EU’s commitment to border protection and its preparedness through Frontex to offer increased support wherever necessary.
The Commission did not comment specifically on all of Vienna’s demands but focused for now on the border management aspects.
Further evaluation will establish which requests are deemed valid or reasonable.
Opposition Remains Entrenched
Despite this potential olive branch over air travel, Austria looks unlikely to approve full Schengen accession anytime soon.
Conservative leader Karl Nehammer still opposes membership, citing migration and security issues within the zone itself.
With national elections looming next year, and the anti-immigration Freedom Party leading in polls, there may be little appetite in Vienna for lifting all internal border checks.
The latest offer over plane travel may be the furthest they can go for now.
What it Means for Travelers
If implemented, ‘Air Schengen' would allow Romanian and Bulgarian citizens to fly between Schengen countries without passport checks.
This convenience comes ahead of the 2025 launch of the ETIAS scheme for visa-free travelers.
For non-EU families, investors, and students hoping to drive across borders, however, land crossings look set to remain restricted.
Tighter Austrian border controls could also slow road travel from Romania and Bulgaria.
Impact on Immigration Policy
The Austrian proposal aims to shift responsibility for migrants arriving from outside the EU onto Romania and Bulgaria.
As a condition, Austria wants those states to house more asylum seekers from Syria and Afghanistan.
This demand fits Austria’s tough stance against irregular migration from non-EU states.
The move looks crafted to appease anti-immigration sentiment while attempting some Schengen progress before elections.
Giving Some Ground
Austria has given Romania and Bulgaria a glimmer of hope by proposing ‘Air Schengen’ access.
This would allow visa-free air travel, delivering a practical improvement for citizens.
However, land borders would remain closed for now, and Austria’s list of demands shows they still have doubts over migration control and security standards.
Further progress depends on the ongoing talks and whether agreements can reached.