Bulgaria is on the verge of achieving full membership in the Schengen Area, following a significant meeting of interior ministers from Hungary, Austria, Romania, and Bulgaria in Budapest. A joint declaration made on November 22, 2024, outlines a commitment to finalize the admission process by the end of the year, with land border controls expected to be lifted by January 1, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Joint declaration signals progress towards Bulgaria and Romania’s full Schengen membership.
- Land border controls to be lifted by January 1, 2025, pending final EU decision.
- Significant reductions in illegal migration reported in both countries.
Background on Schengen Membership
Bulgaria and Romania have been striving for full Schengen membership since they joined the EU in 2007. While they gained access to the Schengen Area for air and sea travel in March 2024, land borders remained a contentious issue, primarily due to concerns over illegal migration.
Recent Developments
The recent meeting in Budapest marked a turning point, with Austria indicating a potential lift of its veto against Bulgaria and Romania’s land border accession. The joint declaration emphasizes the commitment of the involved countries to combat illegal migration and enhance border security.
- Key Points from the Joint Declaration:
- Continued cooperation to fight illegal migration.
- Introduction of temporary border controls between Hungary and Romania, and Romania and Bulgaria, for at least six months.
- Deployment of a multinational police contingent to support Bulgaria in managing its external borders with Turkey.
Migration Control Success
Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov of Bulgaria reported a 70% decrease in migration pressure compared to the previous year, with illegal entries dropping significantly. This success has been attributed to enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).
- Statistics on Illegal Migration:
- Bulgaria: 47% decrease in illegal entries.
- Romania: 53% decrease in illegal entries.
- Austria: 67% decrease in illegal entries.
Future Prospects
The final decision regarding the lifting of land border controls will be made during the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on December 12-13, 2024. European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that both countries are ready for full integration into the Schengen Area.
- Expected Timeline:
- December 12-13, 2024: Final decision by EU ministers.
- January 1, 2025: Anticipated removal of land border controls.
Conclusion
The progress towards Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership represents a significant milestone for the country and the EU. With the commitment to enhanced border security and cooperation among member states, Bulgaria and Romania are poised to fully integrate into the Schengen Area, fostering greater mobility and security within Europe.
Sources
- Joint declaration may signal step forward for full Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania – The Sofia Globe, The Sofia Globe.
- BTA :: Interior Minister Ilkov: Bulgaria Moves Towards Full Entry into Schengen Area, Abolition of Land Border Control, БТА.
- BTA :: European Commissioner "Optimistic" about Schengen Path for Romania, Bulgaria – RFE/RL, БТА.
- Austria Signals Shift in Veto on Bulgaria, Romania Joining Schengen | Balkan Insight, Balkan Insight.
- Romania & Bulgaria to Enter Schengen via Land Borders on January 1, 2025, SchengenVisaInfo.com.
