Romania and Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area could be approved in 2023

Romania and Bulgaria hope to join the Schengen area in 2023, but must overcome obstacles such as the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism and convince skeptical member countries of their ability to ensure effective border control. Joining the Schengen area would strengthen their integration within the EU and improve cooperation between member states.

Update : Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area by 2023: a necessity, says the European Parliament.

Romania and Bulgaria's integration into the Schengen area

The Romanian and Bulgarian authorities hope that their accession to the Schengen area will be approved later this year. Both countries emphasize their essential role in protecting the European Union's borders and preventing illegal immigration. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressed optimism that the two countries would join the Schengen area in the near future.

Although Romania and Bulgaria are working to join the Schengen area, Austria maintains its position against enlargement. The Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, has expressed his concern about illegal immigration and stressed that the Schengen system is currently undergoing a major crisis.

Romania and Bulgaria's efforts to join the Schengen area

Despite Austria's opposition, Romania says it will remain determined in its efforts to join the Schengen area. Romania's Minister of the Interior, Lucian Bode, recently reiterated his country's commitment and stressed that the decision to allow Romania to join the Schengen area would benefit both parties.

According to Bode, the security of the EU's external border, Schengen borders and EU citizens would be considerably enhanced by Romania's accession to the Schengen area. Bulgaria, for its part, shares the same objectives as Romania, and is working together to convince Austria and other EU members to join.

The importance of Schengen membership for Romania and Bulgaria

Joining the Schengen area offers many advantages for Romania and Bulgaria. In addition to recognizing their efforts to protect the EU's borders, it would facilitate the movement of Romanian and Bulgarian citizens within the EU, strengthening economic and cultural ties with other member states.

In addition, the integration of these two countries would enhance security and law enforcement cooperation within the Schengen area. It could also encourage investment and economic development in both countries, contributing to their prosperity and that of the European Union as a whole.

The challenges of Schengen membership

Despite the optimism of the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities, there are still obstacles to overcome before their accession to the Schengen area can be approved. One of the main challenges is to convince Austria and other EU members to lift their vetoes and support the enlargement of the Schengen area.

To achieve this, Romania and Bulgaria will need to demonstrate that they are capable of effectively managing their borders and combating illegal immigration. The two countries could also highlight their progress in implementing legal and institutional reforms to boost the confidence of other member states.

Austria's position and future prospects

Austria, as the main opponent of Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area, plays a crucial role in the enlargement process. Despite the concerns expressed by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, it is possible that Austria's position will change if both countries show significant progress in border management and the fight against illegal immigration.

If Romania and Bulgaria succeed in convincing Austria and other EU members of their accession, this would mark a milestone for European integration and cooperation between member states. However, it remains to be seen whether the two countries will receive the long-awaited approval this year.

The Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM): a major obstacle for Romania and Bulgaria

Romania and Bulgaria, members of the European Union since 2007, are still waiting to join the Schengen area and the end of the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM). Imposed by the European Commission, the CVM is a safeguard measure for states that have not fulfilled the commitments they made during the accession negotiations in the areas of freedom, security, justice and internal market policy. This major obstacle must be overcome if the two countries are finally to join the Schengen area, 14 years after their accession to the EU.

The European Commission regularly assesses the progress made by Sofia and Bucharest in terms of security within the European area, with a view to combating the development of cross-border crime. However, the ambitions of Romania and Bulgaria have come up against opposition from certain member countries, which have to agree by consensus to allow a state to join the Schengen area, even if it is a member of the EU.

The Netherlands and other member countries express doubts

Among these countries, the Netherlands doubts Romania's and Bulgaria's ability to ensure effective border control against illegal immigration and trafficking. The Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, considers the work carried out by the Bulgarians to meet the criteria for admission to the Schengen area to be "incomplete". According to him, doubts remain, particularly with regard to ineffective border controls and the precarious economic situation in Bulgaria.

Romania has also been singled out by Brussels as currently unfit to join the Schengen area. Some member countries consider Romania to be in an important migration corridor, and perceive its borders as porous.

Current limitations for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens

Until they join the Schengen area, Romanians and Bulgarians can travel freely and work in other Schengen countries for up to three months without a work permit. However, they are required to obtain a work permit if their stay exceeds 90 days. This situation limits opportunities for the citizens of these two countries, and places them on an unequal footing with other EU members.

In order to overcome these obstacles, Romania and Bulgaria will have to continue working to convince skeptical member countries of their ability to ensure effective border control and combat the problems associated with illegal immigration and trafficking. Successful accession to the Schengen area would enable them to benefit fully from the advantages offered by European integration, and put an end to the current limitations for their citizens.

Stepping up efforts to meet EU requirements

To overcome the reluctance of countries such as the Netherlands, Romania and Bulgaria must redouble their efforts to meet EU requirements in terms of border control and combating cross-border crime. This means stepping up cooperation with other member states, improving border infrastructures and implementing institutional reforms to ensure security and economic stability.

In addition, both countries will have to show tangible progress in implementing the recommendations of the CVM. The lifting of this mechanism will send a strong signal to other EU members that Romania and Bulgaria are ready to assume their full responsibilities within the Schengen area.

Towards greater integration and cooperation between member states

If Romania and Bulgaria manage to overcome these obstacles and join the Schengen area, this will not only strengthen their integration within the EU, but also cooperation between member states. Joining the Schengen area will facilitate economic and cultural exchanges and improve the mobility of citizens, thus contributing to a more united and cohesive Europe.

The enlargement of the Schengen area also represents a major challenge for the stability and security of the EU as a whole. By welcoming new members, the EU is strengthening cooperation and coordination between countries to combat common challenges, such as illegal immigration and organized crime.

Awaiting a crucial decision for the future of Romania and Bulgaria

The year 2023 could be decisive for Romania's and Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area. Both countries will have to demonstrate that they are ready to meet the challenges and expectations of other EU members. If the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities succeed in convincing their European partners, accession to the Schengen area would mark an important milestone for these two countries, their citizens and the European Union as a whole.

Conclusion: challenges and prospects for Romania and Bulgaria

The stakes are high for Romania and Bulgaria, who aspire to join the Schengen area and benefit from its advantages. Both countries must overcome the challenges and concerns raised by Austria and other EU members to gain their support.

The year 2023 could be decisive for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area. The authorities in both countries remain optimistic about the outcome of the process, but will have to redouble their efforts to overcome the obstacles and convince their European partners of their accession.