Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov stated that the country will not accept additional conditions for Schengen membership beyond what is expected of other countries.
His comments come as a response to Austria’s proposal for an ‘Air Schengen’ arrangement that would allow Bulgarian citizens to travel to Schengen countries without border controls by air, but not by land.
Unaddressed Issues at Land Borders
“Bulgaria will continue its current actions to protect the external borders of the European Union but will certainly not accept additional conditions,” Denkov emphasized.
The prime minister explained that while ‘Air Schengen’ may provide some conveniences for air travelers, it does not address issues at land borders which impact businesses in both Bulgaria and Austria.
“What is not being solved is the problem with the long queues at the land borders, which is mostly a problem for business, and this is a problem not only for Bulgarian but also for Austrian business,” he said.
Denkov stated that Bulgaria will assess whether proposed conditions are acceptable or not in the coming days as negotiations continue.
He expressed a willingness to accept measures that would enhance protection of the EU’s external borders.
The comments highlight Bulgaria’s firm stance that the country has already met all required criteria through demonstrated results from recent assessments.
Denkov indicated negotiations will likely continue until the last working day of 2022.
Undermining Bulgaria’s Position?
In an interview with Bulgarian National Radio, Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk cautioned that agreeing to ‘Air Schengen’ could only harm Bulgaria’s efforts to achieve full Schengen integration.
“It would be pernicious for Bulgaria to agree to an Air Schengen only. This would be a serious retreat from our national position, built up over so many years,” Kyuchyuk stated.
While acknowledging Austria’s softened position as progress, Kyuchyuk stressed the need for a clear timeline and roadmap for Bulgaria and Romania’s complete Schengen membership.
He emphasized Bulgaria’s dedication to meeting all required criteria.
Kyuchyuk also highlighted potential issues with Austria’s call for enhanced border controls between Bulgaria-Romania and Romania-Hungary, including complications for data and information exchange processes.
Decision on Bulgaria’s Schengen Bid Imminent
Meanwhile, the Netherlands is close to deciding on Bulgaria’s Schengen membership bid, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte indicated on December 14th.
Arriving in Brussels for EU summits, Rutte stated the Netherlands will make its decision “in the coming days” based on European Commission reports.
“We are currently in discussions with Bulgaria to determine if the next step toward Schengen integration is viable. It’s crucial that the process remains strict and transparent” Rutte added.
Rutte hinted the verdict could come as early as Friday, December 15, or December 22 — the last two Dutch government sessions before the holidays.
Bulgaria’s Schengen accession would mark a major milestone following years of preparations.
The country is eager for a positive outcome, while the Netherlands has emphasized the importance of a careful review process before granting approval.
ETIAS Launch Could Streamline EU Entry for Balkan Travelers
The upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in May 2025 may help streamline entry to the EU for citizens of Balkan countries like Bulgaria and Romania.
Once implemented, ETIAS will require citizens of over 60 non-EU countries to obtain pre-travel authorization to visit the Schengen Area.
The requirement aims to enhance security while facilitating smoother border checks.
If Bulgaria and Romania achieve full Schengen integration before 2025, their citizens could avoid ETIAS requirements altogether as EU residents.
Even if ETIAS takes effect first, Schengen membership would eventually exempt them from the system’s entry prerequisites.
The developments highlight how Schengen access could ease future EU travel for Balkan residents planning short-term trips, longer-term relocations, or border commuting.
A Test of EU’s Balancing of Security and Inclusion
The ongoing Schengen accession discussions underscore the EU’s complex balancing act between security and inclusion.
As the border-free zone expands, the bloc must weigh prospective new countries’ preparedness to protect external frontiers.
However, limiting freedom of movement also counters the EU’s ethos of openness.
Bulgaria and Romania’s lengthy waiting period has fueled arguments that current members apply double standards.
The proposed ‘Air Schengen’ concept also highlights tensions between cautious security approaches and trans-European unity.
Moreover, the debates intersect with immigration policy issues like migrant movement and labor mobility.
The EU must determine how selectively expanded Schengen access could impact broader goals for controlled yet seamless intra-bloc mobility.
Bulgaria Stands Firm
Bulgaria remains committed to joining the Schengen Area in full, despite Austria’s ‘Air Schengen’ proposal which falls short of complete border-free travel.
Bulgarian officials stress they have met all required criteria through demonstrated results.
While acknowledging some progress in discussions, officials emphasize the need to avoid undermining Bulgaria’s stance as negotiations continue in the coming weeks.