The Council of the European Union has formally published its decision to welcome Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone by air and sea beginning March 31, 2024.
This announcement marks a major milestone for both countries, signaling their long-awaited accession into the Schengen Area.
Bulgaria Gains Vital Access to Schengen Information System
The agreement, made public on December 30, represents a crucial step forward for Bulgaria, ensuring its full participation in the Schengen Information System, a key component of its inclusion.
A joint declaration between Austria, Romania, and Bulgaria on refugee readmission has generated considerable interest, especially regarding the “prompt and complete implementation of the Dublin criteria.”
The statement stresses the immediate repatriation of asylum seekers from these countries, with a specific focus on people from conflict-ridden regions like Syria and Afghanistan.
However, concerns about a potential influx of refugees into Bulgaria have been dismissed by authoritative figures within the nation.
Removal of Internal Land Border Controls Still Requires Unanimous Approval
While Austria remains the sole opponent, talks continue over Bulgaria and Romania’s complete access to the free movement area within the European Union.
The released decision outlines the planned elimination of internal air and sea border controls set for 2024, chiefly synchronized with changes in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) schedule.
Nonetheless, removing internal land border controls will need a unanimous Council decision, factoring in technical, operational, and collaborative considerations along these borders.
Border Checks to End Between Bulgaria, Romania, and Other Schengen Countries
Effective March 31, 2024, border checks for individuals at internal air and sea borders between Bulgaria and Romania, as well as their relationships with numerous EU and Schengen member states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, will be abolished.
The operational implementation of the Schengen acquis will extend between these countries and other listed entities in the decision.
Council Actively Seeking Unanimity on Internal Land Borders
The Council is actively working to achieve unanimity to cancel checks on individuals at internal land borders, a pivotal step toward the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area.
New Schengen Access Eases Travel for EU Visitors
The expanded Schengen access for Bulgaria and Romania will make travel easier for EU visitors looking to enter those countries by air or sea.
Starting March 31, 2024, EU citizens will no longer need to go through border checks when traveling between these nations and other Schengen countries.
This will benefit short-term travelers who previously needed to clear immigration and customs when crossing those internal borders.
It also bodes well for long-term EU residents in Bulgaria and Romania, including digital nomads, students, and immigrant families, facilitating movement within Europe.
The Schengen expansion precedes the 2025 launch of the ETIAS scheme.
Once implemented, the ETIAS visa waiver will be required for visa-free entry into the Schengen zone.
Move Seen as Precursor to Wider EU Immigration Policy Changes
Bulgaria and Romania’s addition to the Schengen area is seen as a precursor to wider EU immigration policy changes.
The bloc continues gradual steps toward fully open internal borders between all member states.
This specific move comes ahead of the 2025 implementation of the ETIAS program, which will require pre-travel authorization for visitors entering the Schengen zone visa-free.
As the EU harmonizes its immigration policies, the ETIAS and continued Schengen expansion are expected to ease travel while improving security.
The incremental approach of first lifting air and sea checks, before tackling land borders, demonstrates the balancing act between free movement and immigration control.
Further policy alignments are anticipated as the EU pursues its vision of a borderless travel zone.
Milestone for EU Integration
The decision represents a milestone in Bulgaria and Romania’s integration into the EU's borderless Schengen zone.
Citizens can look forward to hassle-free air and sea travel between these countries and much of Europe starting this March.
However, removing internal land border controls remains an ongoing process requiring further negotiation and unanimous approval.