Austria has opened the door to Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU’s free-travel zone, with a potential green light from EU ministers expected on December 12. Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed on Friday that both countries could become full members of the Schengen area by the start of 2025.
Romania and Bulgaria were originally set to join the Schengen zone in 2023 alongside Croatia, but the deal fell through due to Austria’s objections over the countries’ handling of rising migrant numbers along the Western Balkan route. The Netherlands also opposed Bulgaria’s membership.
While internal air and maritime border controls were lifted earlier this year, a final agreement to remove land border checks is still pending. However, during a meeting on Friday in Budapest, the interior ministers of Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania agreed to “initiate the necessary steps” toward setting a date for removing land border controls, contingent on continued cooperation to combat irregular migration. They also confirmed that border checks between Hungary and Romania and between Romania and Bulgaria would remain in place for at least six months to prevent any serious threats to public order or internal security.
Johansson expressed hope that EU ministers would agree on lifting land border checks on December 12, with January 1 targeted as the start date. She emphasized that Romania and Bulgaria have “fulfilled all criteria — and above,” highlighting an 80% decrease in migration along the Western Balkan route, and “no hiccups” since air borders were relaxed.
The delay in full Schengen membership has been frustrating for Romania and Bulgaria, both of which have cited economic setbacks due to the ongoing border checks, including long queues and supply chain disruptions.
