The countries of the European Union have unanimously given the green light for the gradual accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengendi area of freedom of movement. Austria, the last country to oppose the agreement, lifted its veto. The decision implies that, from March, controls at the internal borders of these two countries, which joined the EU in 2007, will be abolished – but only by air and sea – with the commitment of Austria, Bulgaria and Romania to do so at a later date on the end date for some controls, including at land borders. This was announced by the current Spanish EU Council Presidency.
“Congratulations to the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria on the extension of Schengen to sea and air passengers,” said the President of the European Council. Charles Michelin his profile on
Spanish Interior Ministry sources described the agreement as “historic” – which came after 12 years of negotiations – and assured that it was one of the priorities of Spain's EU Council Presidency, which ends tomorrow. The sources also stressed that the gradual abolition of internal border controls in Bulgaria and Romania will “strengthen and expand” the European free movement area and facilitate the movement of millions of people, with “very positive social and economic impacts across the region.”
Austria confirmed today the withdrawal of its veto against the agreement, which was already announced by Romania on Wednesday and by Bulgaria on Thursday. The Romanian Prime Minister, Marcel CiolacuHe had assured that the agreement would also cover sea travel, which would benefit the port of Constanta on the Black Sea, and expressed confidence that full membership would be negotiated in 2024.
Although the European Commission and European Parliament have argued for years that Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, are ready to join Schengen, Austria has so far blocked their entry.
The treaty provides for the abolition of border controls between its member states, which currently cover an area of 4.3 million square kilometers and have 423 million citizens from 27 European countries (23 EU members and 4 non-members).