Romania and Bulgaria set to become part of the Schengen border-free zone through air and sea routes

Romania and Bulgaria have announced their intention to join the Schengen border-free zone in Europe by air and sea by March. Initially, Austria had objected to their inclusion due to concerns about illegal immigration. However, it later agreed to let the two Balkan states enter the zone gradually. Discussions will continue next year regarding the opening of land borders. The Schengen area currently consists of 27 countries that allow free movement of approximately 400 million people among them. Romania and Bulgaria, who joined the EU in 2007, have been striving to join Schengen for over a decade. Once they become part of the zone, only Ireland and Cyprus will remain outside. Romania's Interior Ministry confirmed the agreement on 23 December, and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed his excitement on Facebook. Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov also confirmed the deal at a year-end government meeting. Austrian officials have indicated that negotiations are ongoing. In 2022, Vienna had vetoed Schengen's expansion, but recently relaxed its position by proposing the concept of "Air Schengen" as a preliminary step before opening land borders. Austria is willing to relax air travel regulations for Romania and Bulgaria if the European Union strengthens its external borders. Austria's ruling People's Party has taken a strong stance on immigration due to pressure from the far-right Freedom Party, which is currently leading in the polls.