Austria’s Interior Minister has suggested that Austria may lift its veto on full Schengen area membership for Romania and Bulgaria following improvements in border protection. The veto had been in place for the past two years due to concerns about the influx of refugees via the Western Balkans route. However, the situation has since improved, with a significant decrease in illegal migration through these countries. Austria has achieved improvements in border protection and returns as a result of the veto, with the aim of reducing illegal migration to zero. Talks on Schengen enlargement are progressing well, with a potential breakthrough expected at a meeting with both countries in Hungary on 22 November.
Designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, has called for Romania and Bulgaria to become full members of the Schengen area. Romania has stated that it is on the ‘final stretch’ towards Schengen membership, with three possible scenarios outlined: a decision made this year, a longer-term negotiation with the new European Commission, or delays due to the political situation in Bulgaria. Romania’s Prime Minister believes the country could fully enter the Schengen area by spring 2025, with implementation set to begin in March of that year. This would allow Romanians to cross EU land borders without checks by Easter 2025. Talks on Schengen enlargement are making good progress, with an agreement potentially in sight.
The veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full admission into the Schengen area was initially due to concerns about illegal migration through these countries. However, improvements in border protection have led to a significant decrease in illegal migration, prompting Austria to consider lifting the veto. Austria has been able to achieve improvements in border protection and returns as a result of the veto, with the goal of pushing illegal migration towards zero. The talks on Schengen enlargement are progressing well, with a potential breakthrough expected at a meeting with both countries in Hungary on 22 November.
Romania MEP Victor Negrescu has announced that Romania is on the ‘final stretch’ towards Schengen membership, with a decision possibly being made this year. Alternatively, negotiations could continue with the new European Commission, or there could be delays due to the political situation in Bulgaria. Romania’s Prime Minister is optimistic about the country’s chances of full admission into the Schengen area by spring 2025, with implementation to begin in March of that year. This would enable Romanians to cross EU land borders without checks by Easter 2025. Talks on Schengen enlargement are progressing positively, with an agreement possibly in sight.
Austria’s designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, recently reported that talks on Schengen enlargement are making good progress. He hinted that Austria could lift its veto on full Schengen area membership for Romania and Bulgaria following improvements in border protection. Brunner’s comments suggest that an agreement to allow Romania and Bulgaria full Schengen area membership could be reached soon. The breakthrough could potentially come at a meeting with both countries in Hungary on 22 November, with negotiations moving towards a positive outcome.
Overall, the situation regarding Romania and Bulgaria’s full admission into the Schengen area is looking increasingly positive. Austria’s Interior Minister has hinted at the possibility of lifting the veto on full membership for these countries, following improvements in border protection. Talks on Schengen enlargement are progressing well, with a potential breakthrough expected at a meeting with both countries in Hungary on 22 November. Romania’s Prime Minister is optimistic about Romania’s chances of full Schengen area membership by spring 2025, with implementation potentially beginning in March of that year. Overall, the prospects for Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area are looking promising.
