Irregular migration concerns will not hinder Bulgaria and Romania's land border accession.
Key Highlights:
1. The European Commission and Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have affirmed that there are no additional requirements regarding migrant quotas for Bulgaria and Romania's land border accession.
2. The anticipated date for Bulgaria and Romania's membership in the Schengen Zone is expected to be finalized on May 1, 2024, according to Gunther Fehlinger, an Austrian economist and politician.
3. As of March 31, the Council decision on the complete application of all Schengen acquis provisions will come into effect, as confirmed by the European Commission.
The concerns regarding irregular migration have been a primary factor behind the delay in Bulgaria and Romania's inclusion in the Schengen Zone for over a decade. However, these concerns are not expected to hinder the land border accession process for these two Balkan nations, as communicated by the European Commission and Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While streamlined procedures will benefit airports and sea ports in both countries starting March 31, passport controls will persist at land borders. Nonetheless, the absence of a specific date for land border enlargement is not linked to concerns over irregular migration.
No New Conditions for Schengen Accession via Land Borders, EU & Romania’s MFA Confirm:
Both the European Commission and Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have assured that there are no additional stipulations regarding migrant quotas for land border accession. Both countries remain committed to upholding the Dublin Regulation, which delineates responsibilities among EU nations for processing applications from third-country nationals seeking international protection within the bloc.
Austria's Continued Veto:
Austria vetoed the membership of Bulgaria and Romania in December 2022 due to irregular migration concerns, particularly emphasizing the issue of border controls. Despite partial Schengen accession granted to these countries for air and sea travel by the end of March, Austria continues to oppose their land border accession.
Efforts to Manage Migration:
Despite facing challenges, both Bulgaria and Romania have made strides in effectively managing migration. Romania deported 1,222 individuals from various countries in 2023, while Bulgarian authorities detained 2,528 third-country citizens attempting to leave the country.
Anticipated Schengen Membership Date:
Gunther Fehlinger, an Austrian economist and politician, believes that Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen membership, including land border accession, should be finalized on May 1, 2024, aligning with the celebration of EU Enlargement Day.
Full Implementation of Schengen Regulations:
As of March 31, the complete application of Schengen acquis provisions, including the Visa Code, will be in effect. Both Bulgaria and Romania will be eligible to issue multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
90/180-Day Rule Application:
The 90/180-day rule will directly apply to Bulgaria and Romania from March 31, without dependency on the mode of entry into the Schengen territory.
Ongoing Discussions and Decision-Making:
Regular meetings of the Schengen Council in 2024 will offer opportunities for Ministers to decide on the lifting of controls at land borders, supported by deliverables such as the Schengen Barometer and the State of Schengen Report.