Austria May Back Romania and Bulgaria's Full Schengen Membership by 2025

Austria is reportedly moving towards supporting full Schengen Zone membership for Romania and Bulgaria, potentially paving the way for their land border accession by spring 2025, according to an Austrian newspaper, "Kurier".

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner is set to meet with Romanian and Bulgarian officials on November 22 in Budapest at an event hosted by Hungary, the current holder of the EU Council Presidency. This meeting follows recent calls from various European groups for Austria to reconsider its stance on the matter.

The European Christian Democrats have also voiced frustration with Austria's position on Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession. In recent statements, Karner indicated that Austria could support land border inclusion for both countries under certain conditions.

Adding to the momentum, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has urged the European Union Council to establish a date for Schengen land border accession for Romania and Bulgaria. The EESC, an advisory body within the EU, recently approved a draft opinion led by Maria Mincheva, vice-president of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), highlighting the economic repercussions for both countries in the absence of full Schengen membership.

“The document clearly outlines the negative impact on businesses, workers, consumers, and the investment climate in Bulgaria and Romania, which have met all Schengen criteria since 2011 for full border control removal — by air, sea, and land,” stated the BIA.

Romanian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Victor Negrescu also expressed optimism about the progress towards full membership. “The game isn’t over yet. Like Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, I remain confident that Romania will achieve Schengen membership on its land borders,” Negrescu said.

Austria has previously blocked Romania and Bulgaria’s full entry into the Schengen Zone, citing concerns over irregular migration. Although Austria has allowed partial membership for both countries, it has withheld support for land border accession. As of March 31, 2024, Romania and Bulgaria gained Schengen access by air and sea but remain excluded from full land border membership, per Austria’s continued reservations.

Just last month, Karner reiterated Austria’s position, stating that conditions were not yet favorable for Romania and Bulgaria to join Schengen fully. However, the evolving discussions signal a possible shift, with Austria now appearing open to their land border integration by 2025.

By fLEXI tEAM