Bulgaria and Romania Set to Join Schengen Zone Despite Internal Troubles
EU Expands Free-Travel Area Despite Concerns and Political Turmoil in Eastern Europe
The European Union is poised to expand its passport-free area on Thursday as Bulgaria and Romania finally achieve full membership in the Schengen zone. This expansion marks a milestone for the two countries, which have long sought to unlock the benefits of free movement across borders. However, the celebration comes shadowed by political turmoil in both nations and ongoing issues concerning the vitality of the iconic project itself.
Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007, alongside another trio of former Iron Curtain countries. However, concerns over corruption and migratory issues initially delayed their entry into Schengen.
Partial access was allowed in March, but Austria’s veto, along with other eastern states, kept full membership on hold until a historic agreement last month. The Dutch parliament’s approval earlier this week removed the final obstacle to allow these countries to control their borders like any other member state.
“A Symbol of Confidence” or a Strained Pact?
“Luxembourg has always supported the full membership of Bulgaria and Romania,” interior minister Léon Gloden told the Financial Times this week. “It’s also an important membership in the view of protecting the exterior frontiers of Schengen.”
Schengen has faced increased pressure in recent months. Concerns over migration and crime, notably amplified by Germany, which signaled its willingness to extend internal border checks past the agreed deadline in March, cast a shadow over the future of the free movement agreement. The reintroduction of physical barriers across European borders unsettles the very core principles of the Schengen Area.
Gloden criticised the move, saying it undermines “trust” and “faith” in fundamental EU values. “I do not accept that again barriers will be set up in the minds of our people,” he said.
Celebration Marred by Domestic Unrest
The designation of Bulgaria and Romania as part of the Schengen area is a diplomatic victory, but arrives at a fragile moment forSofia and Bucharest, both struggling with critical internal issues.
Romance is unable to form a stable government after seven consecutive elections over more than three years.
“Romania’s entry yet quaintly symbolizes a wound of its new assigned pre- and its drink towards Europe. A weakness in the strength and solidarity between the West Double . A Bottle for Romania “Joining [the euro currency] will be the final step in Romania’s닥전 accession to free””” ” Wissen >”The country’s presidential election was also compromised by a Russian cyberattack and a malicious social media campaign that elevated a pro-Moscow outsider to the top of the polls.
