BRUSSELS: Bulgaria and Romania have officially become full members of the Schengen Area, marking a significant milestone in their integration into the European Union’s border-free travel zone. This development expands the Schengen Area to 29 countries, allowing for visa-free travel among the member states.
According to Qatar News Agency, the accession of Bulgaria and Romania was finalized after Austria lifted its nearly two-year objection to their full membership. The lifting of Austria’s veto concludes a process that began with the removal of air and sea travel controls from the two countries in March 2024, leaving only land border inspections until the recent policy change.
The two nations, which joined the European Union in 2007, have been working towards full Schengen membership. The Schengen Agreement, originally signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995, eliminates internal borders among participating countries, facilitating the free movement of people within the Schengen Zone.
Austria had previously maintained its veto, citing concerns over irregular migration as a major obstacle. However, with recent measures put in place to address these migration issues, Austria agreed to retract its objections, allowing Bulgaria and Romania to complete their integration into the Schengen Area.