Austria Lifts Veto: Romania and Bulgaria Set for Schengen Membership
This development not only represents a breakthrough for Bulgaria and Romania but also underlines the importance of cooperation between EU member states on security and migration issues. Dec 9, 2024 Photo: @eadrianamir
December 9, 2024 Hour: 10:27 pm
The Austrian broadcaster ORF reported that the Austrian Ministry of the Interior has stated that it will no longer stand in the way of the two countries’ full integration.
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Austria has decided to lift its veto on Bulgaria and Romania, allowing both countries to fully join the Schengen Area. This was announced today by the Austrian Minister of the Interior, marking a crucial step forward in the process of integrating these two member states into the European Union (EU).
This announcement removes the last hurdle that prevented approval of full membership for Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen Area, which is expected to be ratified during a meeting of EU interior ministers scheduled for Thursday in Brussels.
The Austrian broadcaster ORF reported that the Austrian Ministry of the Interior has stated that it will no longer stand in the way of the two countries’ full integration.
It should be recalled that at the end of last year, the European Council gave the green light to the partial entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area, which allowed for the elimination of air and sea border controls from March this year.
With full membership imminent, it is expected that land border controls will also be lifted, further facilitating the free movement of people within the EU.
Austria’s initial opposition to full membership for these countries was related to an increase in undocumented migrants transiting through the Balkan route.
However, following the implementation of joint border protection efforts between Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary since the end of last year, there has been a significant decrease in undocumented crossings into the EU, prompting Austria to reconsider its position.
This development not only represents a breakthrough for Bulgaria and Romania but also underlines the importance of cooperation between EU member states on security and migration issues.
The removal of barriers at land borders symbolizes a step towards greater European integration and a strengthened commitment to the fundamental principles of the Schengen Area.
With the expected ratification, Bulgaria and Romania are approaching a new stage in their relationship with Europe, where free movement becomes a fundamental pillar for the social and economic development of both countries.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Xinhua
