Multi-speed Europe

Austria Signals Possible Schengen Progress for Bulgaria and Romania

The Austrian media report that an upcoming meeting between the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria in Budapest could bring new developments for the Schengen membership of Bulgaria and Romania, BNR reports. Set for November 22 and hosted by Hungary's EU presidency, the meeting was confirmed by Austria's Ministry of the Interior.

Bulgaria Among EU Countries with Lowest Government Debt as Eurostat Reports Deficit Rise Across the Bloc

In 2023, Bulgaria maintained one of the lowest government debt-to-GDP ratios in the EU at 22.9%, as overall government deficits in the euro area and EU slightly increased. Government deficits rose to 3.6% of GDP in the euro area and 3.5% in the EU, while government debt levels fell across the region.

Ciolacu Confident Romania Will Join Schengen Area with Land Borders This Year

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has expressed strong optimism that Romania will join the Schengen Area, including land borders, by the end of this year. This announcement comes after several previous challenges in the country's quest for full integration into the Schengen framework.

Bulgarian Economist: We Need the Eurozone as Much as a Brain Tumor

Associate Professor Grigor Sariyski from the Institute for Economic Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) voiced doubts about the feasibility of the 3% deficit target outlined in Bulgaria's Budget 2025. In an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), he raised concerns regarding the country's fiscal health and its prospects for joining the Eurozone.

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