After more than a decade of waiting, Romania and Bulgaria will become full members of Europe’s Schengen free-travel area starting January 1, 2025, following Austria's decision to lift its veto.
The move comes after Austria lifted its veto against Romania and Bulgaria's Schengen membership, which had been tied to concerns over irregular migration along the Western Balkan route.
Earlier this year, Romania and Bulgaria gained partial access to the Schengen area, with air and sea border controls removed. However, land border negotiations continued through 2024. Austria insisted on the stricter border controls for reducing irregular migration, which played a key role in the breakthrough. Austria's decision was influenced by significant improvements in border management by both countries, resulting in a drop in migrant flows, particularly near Hungary—a major route to northern Europe.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the decision, emphasizing the economic benefits, including faster border crossings, lower costs for businesses, and a boost in foreign investment. He called the move "a major step for the country's economy and international image."
This marks the end of over ten years of efforts by Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen zone, strengthening their ties with the broader European Union.
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The killing of a young influencer has reignited public concern in Mexico, where violence against women remains a deeply rooted issue.
President Ilham Aliyev has arrived in Albania to take part in a key European summit, underscoring Azerbaijan’s engagement in continental political dialogue.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks with India, following the de-escalation of the most serious military standoff between the two countries in nearly 30 years.
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is close to a nuclear agreement with Iran, though both sides remain divided on key conditions.
The killing of a young influencer has reignited public concern in Mexico, where violence against women remains a deeply rooted issue.
President Ilham Aliyev has arrived in Albania to take part in a key European summit, underscoring Azerbaijan’s engagement in continental political dialogue.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed willingness to engage in peace talks with India, following the de-escalation of the most serious military standoff between the two countries in nearly 30 years.
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is close to a nuclear agreement with Iran, though both sides remain divided on key conditions.
The UK has announced a raft of investment for international initiatives to support UN peacekeeping activity.
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