The EU approves the gradual accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area

The Member States of the European Union (EU) today unanimously approved the gradual accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area of ​​free movement, after Austria lifted its veto. “Congratulations to the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria for the extension [do Acordo] of Schengen for sea and air passengers,” European Council President Charles Michel said on the social network X.

Michel noted that it is “a long-awaited step so that Romanians and Bulgarians can more easily enjoy freedom of movement, with the prospect of land transport in the future.”

The decision implies that from March 2024, controls on internal air and sea borders with these two countries – which joined the EU in 2007 – will be abolished, with Austria, Bulgaria and Romania committing to set the date later. of land control, according to the current Spanish presidency of the EU Council.

“Today is a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania. And a day of great pride for Romanians and Bulgarians,” European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen stressed in a statement, praising the “hard work , praising the commitment” and perseverance” of both countries.

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola wrote in [Europeia] strongest” and the “safest people”.

Although the EC and the European Parliament have assured for years that Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, were ready to join Schengen, Austria, the destination and transit point for migrants entering Europe via the so-called Balkan route, had been denied access blocked from it until now.

The Schengen Treaty provides for the abolition of controls at the internal borders of its territory, that is to say between Member States, while strengthening them at the external borders with third countries.

It currently covers 4.3 million square kilometers and is home to 423 million citizens from 27 European countries, 23 EU members and four non-EU members: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Within the EU, only Bulgaria, Romania, Ireland and Cyprus do not yet belong to this group.