European Union (EU) member states this Saturday unanimously approved the gradual accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen free movement area after Austria lifted its veto.
“Congratulations to the citizens of Romania and Bulgaria on the extension [do Acordo] Schengen for sea and air passengers,” said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, on the social network X.
Michel noted that this is “a long-awaited step that will allow Romanians and Bulgarians to enjoy freedom of movement with the prospect of land transport in the future.”
The decision means that from March 2024, controls on internal air and sea borders with the two countries, which joined the EU in 2007, will be lifted, with Austria, Bulgaria and Romania committing to set a later date for joining the EU. The end of ground control, according to the current Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
“Today is a historic moment for Bulgaria and Romania. And a day of great pride for Romanians and Bulgarians,” European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, praising the “hard work, commitment and perseverance” of both countries.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote in X that the decision was “a long time coming” but forces the Union [Europeia] the strongest” and “the safest people”.
Although the EC and the European Parliament have for years assured that Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, are ready to join Schengen, Austria, the destination and passage of migrants entering Europe along the so-called Balkan route, blocked entry until bye now.
The Schengen Agreement establishes the abolition of controls on the internal borders of its territory, that is, between its member states, while simultaneously strengthening them on the external borders with third countries.
It currently covers 4.3 million square kilometers and 423 million citizens from 27 European countries, 23 EU members and four non-EU countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
In the EU, only Bulgaria, Romania, Ireland and Cyprus are not yet included in this group.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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