In a new development regarding Bulgaria’s bid to join the Schengen Area, Hungary has agreed to remove its objection to Bulgaria’s membership application.
This comes after Bulgaria officially abolished an additional tax on Russian gas shipments that Hungary had opposed.
Hungary to Withdraw Opposition
On December 19th, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto confirmed that Hungary will retract its opposition to Bulgaria’s Schengen entry now that Bulgaria has scrapped the controversial law.
In a video statement, Szijjarto said, “I was informed by my Bulgarian colleague that yesterday the Bulgarian parliament scrapped this law.”
He added that upon the law’s publication in the Bulgarian State Gazette on Friday, Hungary is prepared to withdraw its objection and request the halting of infringement procedures against Bulgaria.
Bulgaria Withdraws Transit Fee Law
Earlier, Bulgaria had passed a law increasing transit fees for Russian natural gas, sparking objections from Hungary.
However, this law has now been abolished by the Bulgarian parliament.
At a press briefing, Szijjarto stated, “It is good news that Bulgaria has withdrawn its law on increasing the transit fee for Russian natural gas, which would have threatened Hungary’s security of supply.”
He expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries can now return to “mutual respect.”
Szijjarto emphasized that reliable transit partners are key for Hungary, which imports 85-90% of its annual gas consumption.
Bulgaria Remains Committed to Schengen Bid
Despite conditions from Austria, Bulgaria remains committed to pursuing full Schengen membership.
At a press conference, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said negotiations with Austria continue “until the last moment.”
Denkov highlighted Bulgaria’s readiness for air and sea border integration into the Schengen Zone.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov affirmed Bulgaria’s preparedness to restructure airport passport controls upon potential admission in January.
Stoyanov cited Bulgaria’s recent positive Schengen evaluation, stressing continued high-level efforts to assuage Austria’s reservations.
The Interior Ministry is also introducing new sobriety testing for drivers to demonstrate Bulgaria's commitment.
ETIAS May Expand to Bulgaria
If Bulgaria joins the Schengen zone in 2023, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) requirement could be extended to Bulgaria when the system launches in May 2025.
ETIAS will require visa-exempt visitors to obtain pre-travel authorization to enter the Schengen Area.
Expanding ETIAS to Bulgaria would affect tourists, business travelers, and other visa-free visitors to the country.
However, the European Commission will need to formally propose extending ETIAS to new Schengen members like Bulgaria.
Schengen Bid May Attract More Immigrants
If successful in joining Schengen, Bulgaria could become more attractive to long-term immigrants like digital nomads, students, and families.
Schengen membership allows freedom of movement across internal borders, so residents can easily travel, work, or study in other Schengen countries.
This prospect of easy mobility within Europe’s borderless zone may draw more immigrants to Bulgaria.
However, external Schengen borders would still be subject to thorough checks.
Schengen Access Hangs in the Balance
The deal reached between Bulgaria and Hungary represents a positive step toward resolving disputes over Bulgaria's Schengen membership application.
However, Austria’s stance remains uncertain. Bulgaria appears determined to address any remaining concerns to achieve its long-held goal of joining the Schengen area.