Austria Lifts Decade-Long Veto on Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen Accession
Austria Lifts Veto, Paves Way for Romania and Bulgaria’s Full Schengen Membership
After years of opposition citing concerns over irregular migration, Austria has lifted its decade-long veto on Romania and Bulgaria's full Schengen membership, clearing the path for their inclusion in the Schengen Area for land borders starting January 1, 2025.
Background of Austria’s Veto
Austria had opposed Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen accession despite both countries meeting all technical criteria since 2012. Concerns over irregular migration, particularly at Austria’s border with Hungary, were the primary reasons cited for the prolonged veto.
However, Austria supported Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession for air and sea routes in March 2024, while still withholding approval for land border inclusion.
Shift in Austria’s Position
Recent statements by Austria’s Interior Minister highlighted a significant decline in irregular border crossings, particularly at the Hungary-Austria border. The minister noted a dramatic reduction from 70,000 interceptions in October 2023 to just 4,000 in the same period this year. This improvement was a key factor in Austria’s decision to lift its veto.
He remarked, “After ‘Schengen Air,’ ‘Schengen Land’ is now open to Romania and Bulgaria,” signaling Austria’s readiness to support full Schengen membership for both countries.
Positive Outcomes from November 22 Meeting
On November 22, the interior ministers of Austria, Romania, and Bulgaria met in Hungary to discuss a joint package for Schengen accession. Hosted by Hungary, the meeting resulted in additional measures to facilitate full membership for both Balkan countries.
Following the meeting, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that Romania would achieve full Schengen membership, including land borders, starting January 1, 2025. Bulgarian accession is expected to follow simultaneously, as both countries are treated as a package deal.
Conclusion
The lifting of Austria’s veto marks a historic step toward integrating Romania and Bulgaria fully into the Schengen Zone. This milestone underscores the importance of collaboration between EU member states in addressing migration challenges and advancing the vision of a borderless Europe.
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