“A historic moment and a proud day.” Two new countries in the Schengen area. There is agreement

The process itself is to be gradual – first, in March 2024, border controls at seas and airports are to be abolished. At the same time, the plan assumes continuation of talks on the abolition of controls at land border crossings.

“The European Union will be stronger”

“The enlarged Schengen area will make the European Union a stronger Union, both internally and globally,” reads the European Commission’s announcement. EC President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated both countries, emphasizing that it was “a historic moment and a day of pride for the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria.”

In 2024, talks on the abolition of controls at land border crossings are to be continued. The European Council is to take a decision on this matter “within a reasonable period of time”.

As reported by the European Commission, the European Council decided to expand the Schengen area “unanimously”. Recently, the admission of Bulgaria and Romania has been opposed by, among others, Austria, demanding a significant increase in the presence of Frontex in both countries and increased expenditure on the protection of the external borders of the Union. On Friday, the Austrian Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that it was maintaining its veto on this matter.

Spain ends its six-month presidency of the EU

Meanwhile, there has been a significant change in the current management of the EU since the new year. Spain ends its six-month presidency at midnight, and from January 1, Belgium will lead the Community’s work. The authorities in Madrid managed to reach an agreement on several issues that caused divisions in the EU.

The result of the Spanish presidency was satisfactory, concluded Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. This balance includes over 70 arrangements in negotiations between EU institutions, including an agreement on budget discipline, i.e. a new system for reducing the deficit and debt after many months of disputes, consent to regulations on artificial intelligence after a 36-hour negotiation marathon, and a migration pact after 30 hours of negotiations between representatives of member states and the European Parliament.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen thanked the Spaniards for their dedication and commitment, and Charles Michel, the head of the European Council, was also impressed by their actions. Hawks in eastern policy, i.e. supporters of a harsh course towards Russia and Belarus, appreciate Spain’s contribution in paving the way to an agreement on further sanctions against the regime in Minsk after many months of impasse and consent to the 12th package of restrictions on the regime in Moscow. Maintaining unity on Ukraine and tense discussions on the war in the Middle East also occurred during the Spanish presidency.