Law enforcement in Europe
Austrian Media: US Intervention Drives Vienna Toward Bulgaria and Romania Schengen Entry
The United States' behind-the-scenes efforts have influenced Austria's change of heart regarding Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen entry, according to reports by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Recent discussions led by former US Ambassador Ronald Lauder and US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien in Vienna played a pivotal role in convincing Austria to lift its veto.
European Commission Welcomes Austria's Move to Open Schengen Air Borders for Bulgaria and Romania
The European Commission has defined as a positive development Austria's proposal to eliminate border checks when traveling by air from Bulgaria and Romania. We are glad to see that things are moving in a positive direction, said a spokesman for the commission at a press conference in response to a question.
Former Bulgarian Minister Challenges Austria's Refugee Demand for Schengen Access
"Countries not yet admitted to Schengen should not have to pay for their membership by accepting more refugees".
MEP Kovatchev Demands Clear Timelines for Bulgaria's Schengen Admission
New conditions for Schengen. Vienna wants increased border control between Bulgaria and Romania, as well as sending Austrian advisers to work with teams at the airports in Bucharest and Sofia. It is also a condition that Romania and Bulgaria accept Afghans and Syrians seeking asylum.
Fast-track visa ‘to lure Turkish tourists to Greek islands’
Tourism activity is expected to spike after Greece decided to exempt Turkish citizens from Schengen visa requirements for seven days to visit the eastern Aegean islands, representatives from the Turkish tourism industry have said.
Vienna's Schengen Surprise: Bargain Deals on the Table for Bulgaria, Romania!
The Austrian media reports that the Minister of the Interior of Austria, Gerhard Karner, is ready to loosen the veto on the expansion of the Schengen area with Bulgaria and Romania.
Spain Not Committed to New Meeting for the Admission of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen
Spain, holding the EU Presidency, remains non-committal about arranging an urgent Council meeting to vote on Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen membership.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska expressed Europe's strengthened stance with the integration of both countries but refrained from committing to a timeline, citing ongoing efforts.
EU Commissioner Presses for Bulgaria and Romania to Join Schengen This Year
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, Ylva Johansson, reaffirmed her commitment to seeing Bulgaria and Romania integrated into the Schengen Area this year. Johansson expressed her optimism following a successful fact-finding mission in Bulgaria, emphasizing the readiness of both countries for Schengen accession.
EU Ministers to Review Bulgaria's Schengen Entry, No Vote Expected Today
The European Union's interior ministers will refrain from voting on Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen entry during the Home Affairs Council meeting today. Instead, they will assess both countries' preparedness for joining the free movement area.
MEPs Rally in Vienna Against Austria's Schengen Block on Bulgaria and Romania
European Parliament members Ilhan Kyuchyuk representing Bulgaria and Vlad Botos representing Romania led a protest at Vienna's Ministry of Interior on Monday, denouncing Austria's stance against Bulgaria's and Romania's Schengen area admission. Austrian MP Helmut Brandstatter joined the demonstration.