The Interior Minister of Austria, Gerhard Karner, has given signals that his country could support the entry of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone with land borders, following the progress made by these two countries in border protection.
Karner’s comments came following recent calls by the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, for full accession of these two countries to the EU’s passport-free travel zone, Schengen.News reports.
According to local media reports, the Interior Minister of Austria has now said that the situation in these two countries, in terms of border protection, has improved.
The designated European Commissioner for Migration from Austria, Magnus Brunner, recently highlighted that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Zone should be finalised as soon as possible, expressing his support on this matter.
He said that both Balkan countries are entitled to benefit from the full Schengen accession, emphasising that such a step would make the Schengen Zone safer and stronger.
Romania in “Final Stretch” Towards Schengen Land Border Accession
Recently, the Romanian Member of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu, said that his country is on the “final stretch” towards full Schengen membership.
The vice-president of the European Parliament’s comments came following discussions held with the designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner.
Negrescu mentioned three potential scenarios related to this process, quoted by Romanian Insider: a decision taken by the end of this year, a moderate scenario involving the new European Commission, and a long-term scenario related to potential delays due to Bulgaria’s political situation.
EESC Urges EU Council for Full Schengen Membership of Romania & Bulgaria
In spite of being partial members of the Schengen Area since March 31, 2024, land border controls in Romania and Bulgaria continue to remain effective.
Due to irregular migration concerns, Austria has continuously objected to the accession of these two countries to the EU’s borderless area.
Recently, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) called on the European Union Council to set a date for a full Schengen accession for these two countries in the Schengen Zone.
Source: https://schengen.news/austria-signals-support-for-full-schengen-accession-of-romania-bulgaria/
