Schengen Area
Romania Poised for Schengen Land Border Access by Spring 2025, Says Prime Minister
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced today that a decision regarding Romania's entry into the Schengen Area for land borders may be made before the second round of the country's presidential elections, scheduled for December 8, and could be finalized by the end of the year.
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.
Hungary Calls for Schengen Access for Bulgaria and Romania Before Year's End
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that "Bulgaria is ready to take its last steps for Schengen," adding that Hungary would continue to support Bulgaria and its citizens in their ongoing efforts.
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.
EU leaders set course for tougher policy to send back irregular migrants
BRUSSELS - European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to use all their leverage, including trade, development aid and visa policy, to speed up returns of migrants illegally entering the bloc and asked the European Commission to urgently draft a law.
EU Commission President Urges Final Steps Towards Schengen Inclusion for Bulgaria and Romania
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Bulgaria and Romania to complete their journey toward full Schengen membership, emphasizing the importance of eliminating border checks between the two countries.
Hungary Pushes for Schengen Inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in EU Agenda for December
The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union plans to include the topic of lifting land border checks for Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen area on the agenda for the European interior ministers' meeting in December.
Acting Interior Minister: Bulgaria Has Fulfilled All Schengen Requirements
Acting Interior Minister Atanas Ilkov stated today in Luxembourg that Bulgaria has received substantial support for full Schengen membership during a meeting of the EU Council.
Austria Maintains Veto on Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen Accession
Austria remains unwilling to lift its veto on removing border controls for Bulgaria and Romania at land borders, as stated by Acting Interior Minister Gerhard Karner ahead of an EU interior ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. The meeting will review the progress of both countries' bids.
Orban Advocates for Full Schengen Membership for Bulgaria and Romania
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized the importance of securing full Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania during his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He described the complexities of Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, stating that it is characterized more by political considerations than by bureaucratic processes.