Bulgaria and Romania have finally entered Europe's expansive Schengen area, marking a significant moment in their 13-year journey towards greater integration. This move, effective as of Sunday, facilitates seamless air and sea travel, eliminating the need for border checks within the Schengen zone. However, a veto by Austria has limited this status solely to air and sea routes, citing concerns over potential asylum seekers.
With this move, tourists who are flying into these countries will not be needing a separate visa and can use their Schengen visas. Those travelling by road, however, will need additional documentation.
With Bulgaria and Romania joining, the Schengen zone now includes 29 members, including various European Union states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Romania plans to implement Schengen rules at four sea ports and 17 airports, with Otopeni airport near Bucharest serving as a key hub.
However, challenges remain, particularly concerning border security and combating illegal migration. Both countries are committed to full integration into Schengen by year-end, though Austria's concession thus far only extends to air and sea routes. Croatia, having joined the EU after Bulgaria and Romania, preceded them in becoming Schengen's 27th member in January 2023.
While the milestone is cause for celebration for many, it has left truck drivers feeling neglected, grappling with prolonged border queues and financial losses. Road transport unions, such as Romania's UNTRR, advocate for urgent measures to address these issues, emphasizing the significant economic toll faced by hauliers.
Despite these challenges, both Bucharest and Sofia affirm their commitment to irreversible progress. Romanian Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu asserts the necessity of completing the integration process by 2024, extending it to land borders. As Bulgaria and Romania take this significant step forward, the path towards a more unified Europe continues, albeit with hurdles yet to overcome.
