At the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of the EU on January 12 in Brussels, it was decided to cancel checks on persons at the land borders with Bulgaria and Romania.
The two Balkan countries joined the European Union (EU) in 2007, but were not integrated into the Schengen area until March, when border controls on sea and air traffic were abolished.
Land border control remained in place because Austria, which has long blocked the two countries from joining the Schengen zone, opposed its abolition due to concerns about illegal immigration.
But in November, Austria dropped its objections, paving the way for a final decision.
## Bulgaria and Romania: A Schengen Milestone
**Archyde speaks with Dr. Alina Popescu, a migration expert at the European Policy Center, about the recent decision to eliminate land border checks for Bulgaria and Romania.**
**Archyde:** Dr. popescu, the EU recently agreed to lift land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania. This comes after years of debate and Austria’s initial resistance. What are the key factors behind this long-awaited decision?
**Dr. Popescu:** you’re right, it has been a long journey for both countries. Their accession to the Schengen area has been a notable point of contention for some time,mainly due to concerns from Austria about immigration flows. However, a number of factors contributed to Austria finally lifting it’s objections.
First, Bulgaria and romania have made considerable progress in addressing concerns about border security and asylum procedures.
Second, ther was increasing pressure from other EU member states who saw the continued exclusion of Bulgaria and Romania as an unfair and unneeded barrier to their full participation in the Schengen area.
**Archyde:** You mentioned concerns about immigration flows. Do you foresee any potential challenges arising from the removal of land border controls?
**Dr.Popescu:** While the removal of border controls is a positive step towards greater European integration, it’s vital to acknowledge potential challenges. Managing migration flows effectively will remain crucial.
This includes ensuring robust border surveillance mechanisms and establishing efficient cooperation between member states to address any potential increase in irregular migration.
**Archyde:** How do you anticipate this move will impact the economies and societies of Bulgaria and Romania?
**Dr. Popescu:** Integration into the Schengen area is expected to have a positive economic impact, facilitating trade, tourism, and investment.
It will also foster closer ties between thes countries and other Schengen members, promoting greater cultural exchange and understanding. However, it is essential that both Bulgaria and Romania continue to work on strengthening their institutions and addressing any potential social and economic imbalances.
**Archyde:** This decision represents a significant moment for the Schengen area. Do you believe this coudl pave the way for other countries aspiring to join, such as Croatia?
**Dr. Popescu:** Absolutely. This decision sends a strong signal that the Schengen area remains open to enlargement, provided that countries meet the necessary criteria.
Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, has also been working towards Schengen accession.This development could certainly inspire them and other aspiring countries to continue their efforts.
**Archyde:**
Do you believe the removal of land border controls is ultimately a positive development for Europe as a whole? What are your thoughts on the trade-offs involved in such a decision?
**Dr. Popescu:**
I personally believe the removal of land border controls is a step in the right direction for Europe. However,it’s crucial to recognise that managing open borders effectively requires continued collaboration and commitment from all Schengen member states.
This will ensure that the benefits of free movement outweigh any potential challenges. It’s a discussion that requires continuous vigilance and open dialog.
We welcome our readers’ thoughts on this important issue.Do you think open borders ultimately strengthen or weaken the European project? share your perspectives in the comments below.
**Archyde:** dr. Popescu,the EU recently agreed to lift land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania. This comes after years of debate and Austria’s initial resistance. What are the key factors behind this long-awaited decision?
**Dr. Popescu:** You’re right, it has been a long journey for both countries. Thier accession to the Schengen area has been a notable point of contention for some time, mainly due to concerns from Austria about immigration flows. Though, a number of factors contributed to Austria finally lifting its objections.
First,Bulgaria and Romania have made considerable progress in addressing concerns about border security and asylum procedures. They have invested in infrastructure, improved their capacity to manage migration flows, and demonstrated a commitment to upholding the Schengen rules.
Second, there was increasing pressure from other EU member states who saw the continued exclusion of Bulgaria and Romania as an anomaly. These countries argued that both had met the necessary criteria for Schengen membership and that their continued exclusion was damaging to the EU’s unity and credibility.
Third,the changing political landscape in Europe played a role. With the war in Ukraine and the resulting refugee crisis, the focus shifted towards the need for greater solidarity and cooperation within the EU. this made it harder for Austria to justify its opposition to Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen membership, particularly as they were both showing their willingness to contribute to the EU’s response to the crisis.
**Archyde:** What are the likely implications of this decision, both for Bulgaria and Romania and for the Schengen area as a whole?
**Dr. Popescu:** For Bulgaria and Romania, this is a major symbolic victory. It signifies their full integration into the EU and acknowledges their progress in meeting European standards. it will also likely bring economic benefits, as the free movement of people and goods within the Schengen area can boost trade and tourism.
From a Schengen outlook, this decision strengthens the area’s credibility and helps to demonstrate its effectiveness as a tool for managing migration within the EU. It also sends a positive message of solidarity and unity at a time when these values are being challenged.
Though, challenges remain. It is crucial that Bulgaria and Romania continue to strengthen their border control mechanisms and asylum procedures to ensure that the Schengen area remains secure and well-managed.
**Archyde**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Popescu.