Unanimously among the countries of the European Union (EU), the gradual accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area of ​​free movement. This after what Austria, the last country of the Twenty-Seven to resist to measure.

The Shengen Area, created in 1985 and consisting of 23 of the 27 member states of the European Union, together with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, will open its air and sea doors Bulgaria and Romania from March 31 when access controls at ports and airports are abolished.

“From March next year, Romanians will enjoy the benefits of the Schengen Area, both by air and by sea. The port of Constanta (on the Romanian coast of the Black Sea) will immediately increase in importance exponentially. I am also convinced that in 2024 we will conclude negotiations on the land border,” Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on social networks.

What documents are needed to apply for a Schengen visa?

“Congratulations to the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria for the expansion of Schengen for maritime and air passengers,” said the President of the European Council. Charles Michelthrough his profile on the social network X.

The European bloc will have to make a new decision to choose the date on which controls at internal land borders with Romania and Bulgaria will be lifted.

Why was Austria against?

Austria had vetoed the entry of both countries into the free movement zone. Although the European Commission and the European Parliament have been ensuring for years that Bulgaria and Romania, members of the EU since 2007, are willing to enter Schengen, Austria had until now blocked their entry for fear of a greater influx of immigrants and refugees from other countries. those countries. (JO)