Austria Gives Green Light to Romania, Bulgaria Joining Schengen Zone
Austria has lifted its long-standing veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area, paving the way for the two Balkan countries to join the passport-free travel zone.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced the decision on Monday, emphasizing Austria’s commitment to strict border controls while acknowledging the progress made towards strengthening the EU’s external borders.
“We will not compromise,” said Karner when asked about the decision. “After ‘Schengen Air’, a ‘Schengen Land’ is also open to Romania and Bulgaria.”
“Austria has prevailed with tough but constructive EU policies to make our country and the European Union safer. There were two years of tough but constructive negotiations until another important point was set with the border protection package,” explained Karner.
Karner intends to formally endorse Romania and Bulgaria’s accession at the EU Interior Ministers’ Council meeting scheduled for Thursday in Brussels. He will also detail his decision to parliament on Wednesday.
Border Security Concerns Addressed
Austria’s opposition to Schengen expansion stemmed primarily from concerns about border security and the potential influx of migrants. Two years ago, both Austria and the Netherlands blocked Romania and Bulgaria’s accession. However, negotiations have yielded a border protection package that has addressed many of Austria’s apprehensions.
Following a working meeting with Bulgarian and Romanian officials in Budapest on November 22nd, Karner briefed Chancellor Karl Nehammer on the latest developments.
“External border protection is being strengthened, internal borders are being further controlled, migrants are no longer being waved through,” emphasized Karner, outlining the key achievements of the newly agreed border protection measures.
Karner stressed that this border protection package represents a significant step forward and allows Austria to move forward confidently with supporting Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession.
Dramatic Reduction in Border Crossings
Karner highlighted the positive impact of Austria’s staunch stance on border security, pointing to a significant reduction in illegal crossings.
“Before the Schengen veto, we had 70,000 illegal border crossings in Burgenland by October, this year there were 4,000. Without this veto, this massive reduction in illegal border crossings would not have been achieved. Our demands are being taken seriously,” said Karner.
These numbers, Karner argues, demonstrate the effectiveness of Austria’s firm approach and validate its commitment to ensuring the security of the Schengen Area.
What are the implications of Austria lifting its veto on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area?
## Austria Gives Green Light to Romania, Bulgaria Joining Schengen Zone
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Today we’re discussing the breaking news that Austria has lifted its veto on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area. Joining us is Dr. Emilia Popescu, an expert on EU enlargement and Balkan politics. Dr. Popescu, this is a significant development, can you explain its implications?
**Dr. Popescu:** Absolutely. This is indeed a major breakthrough after years of delay. Austria’s veto had been a major stumbling block for Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen aspirations.
**Interviewer:** What led Austria to change its position?
**Dr. Popescu:** According to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Austria was satisfied with the progress made on strengthening the EU’s external borders, specifically mentioning a “border protection package” as a key factor [ [1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/austria-drops-veto-bulgaria-romania-fully-joining-schengen-travel-zone-2024-12-09/)].
**Interviewer:** What does this mean for Bulgaria and Romania?
**Dr. Popescu:** This paves the way for their full membership in the Schengen Area, meaning their citizens will be able to travel freely across most of the EU without passport checks. This is a huge economic and social boost for both countries, facilitating trade, tourism, and free movement of people.
**Interviewer:** Minister Karner emphasized Austria’s commitment to strict border controls. What are your thoughts on that?
**Dr. Popescu:** It’s understandable that Austria, as a Schengen member, wants to ensure the security of its borders. The key here is finding a balance between facilitating free movement while maintaining effective security measures. Hopefully, the “border protection package” addressed Austria’s concerns in a sustainable manner.
**Interviewer:** What’s the next step in this process?
**Dr. Popescu:** Minister Karner stated his intention to formally endorse Romania and Bulgaria’s accession at the upcoming EU Internal Affairs ministerial meeting. This signals a clear path towards their full integration into Schengen, hopefully, sooner rather than later.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Popescu, for your insights on this important development.
