Schengen zone partially expands with the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, ending a thirteen-year-long delay.
🗞️ Breaking News: Austria Drops Veto, Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen Zone 🤔 Facebook Twitter Flipboard Email Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp
📅 It's a new chapter for Bulgaria and Romania as they officially join Europe's Schengen area, allowing for free travel by air and sea. In a historic moment, the two countries are now part of the largest area of free movement in the world.
🔒 While they've been admitted to the zone, there was initially a veto by Austria due to concerns of an influx of refugees. Fortunately, Austria has since dropped its veto, and the land borders will no longer be a barrier. This comes after negotiations that included the establishment of a special contingent of border police and other measures to strengthen external borders, effectively allaying Austria'ssecurity concerns.
💼 Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, remarked, "This is a great success for both countries, and a historic moment for the Schengen area." She added, "Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens."
🌐 By January 1, 2025, 29 members - 25 of the 27 European Union member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein- will make up the Schengen zone. Romania's government announced that Schengen rules will apply to four seaports and 17 airports, including Bucharest's largest Otopeni airport.
- Despite the ongoing war-and-conflicts and migration, the Schengen zone has grown with Bulgaria and Romania joining, thanks to recent policy-and-legislation and negotiations.
- The Schengen area now extends even further, with LinkedIn discussions buzzing about the implications of these additions for general-news and international politics.
- As the largest area of free movement in the world expands, this development is significant, especially for the flight plans of passengers onFlipboard and other travel platforms.
- The drop of Austria's veto marks a turning point in EU politics, signaling trust among member states and a commitment to address mutual concerns, such as border security and migration management.
- By January 1, 2025, the Schengen zone will consist of 29 members, including expansion from the European Union, as well as associated states like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
