Romania and Bulgaria may become full members of Europe's borderless Schengen travel zone in January 2025, Hungary said on Friday, adding a final decision would be made at next month's meeting of EU interior ministers.
Romania and Bulgaria, both European Union and NATO members, partly joined Schengen in March, after an agreement with Austria which initially opposed their joining on the grounds they needed to do more to prevent illegal immigration.
While air and maritime border checks between them and the other 27 countries in the travel zone were lifted, negotiations with Austria over land entry have continued through 2024.
"The two countries have made significant steps to gain full membership," Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter told a news conference after talks with his Romanian, Bulgarian and Austrian counterparts.
"We are...one step closer to Bulgaria and Romania becoming full members of Schengen."
Pinter said a package of security measures would be presented at a meeting of EU interior ministers on Dec. 11, including arrangements for at least 100 border guards to protect the border between Turkey and Bulgaria.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Monday that the two countries would join the Schengen area next year but described the Budapest meeting, where the four interior ministers would agree the final document, as "crucial".
Ciolacu said the Dutch parliament - which has opposed Bulgaria's joining - would also need to approve the document.
Romania and Bulgaria are on major routes for the illegal trade in arms and drugs as well as human trafficking, but the European Commission said after a thorough investigation they met all Schengen requirements.
Romania has described Austrian opposition as unjustified, citing data from border agency Frontex showing illegal migrants have mainly entered the EU from the Western Balkans, not Romania.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel describes her dealings with world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during her 16 years in power in her new memoir, which comes as her legacy is under fire in light of today's crises.
A general strike docked ships and disrupted rail and bus services across Greece on Wednesday, as thousands of workers marched in Athens to demand better pay and living standards.
More than 100,000 trains have completed their journeys on the China-Europe freight train service since it began in 2011. This service is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and connects more than 200 cities across 25 European countries.
More than 2 tonnes of a substance resembling cocaine was seized in the Dominican Republic at the weekend, on its way to Antwerp, Belgium. It's the second largest alleged drug seizure in the country.
Azerbaijan has created favorable conditions for lasting peace, stability and reliable security in the South Caucasus, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an address to the participants of the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (I
Romania and Bulgaria may become full members of Europe's borderless Schengen travel zone in January 2025, Hungary said on Friday, adding a final decision would be made at next month's meeting of EU interior ministers.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary, saying he would guarantee that an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu would "not be observed".
"Come up with the video in its full form," demands the COP29 CEO, Elnur Soltanov, in an exclusive interview with AnewZ. The chief executive has broken his silence on the claims he was using his position to organise potential fossil fuel deals.
Negotiations at COP29 in Baku face a critical impasse as sharp divisions over climate finance and fossil fuel commitments threaten progress.
The United Nations COP29 climate change conference in Baku seeks $1 trillion annually to help vulnerable nations tackle climate change, as political tensions and Argentina’s withdrawal overshadow talks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries to strengthen ties and highlight Chinese investments in the country’s infrastructure and EV sector.
Kim Jong Un has accused the U.S. of escalating tensions, warning of a heightened risk of nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula. He criticized past U.S. negotiations as hostile and suggested reopening talks if the U.S. changes its approach.
Heavy gunfire erupted in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Thursday evening after security forces attempted to arrest the former head of the National Security Service, Akol Koor Kuc. The shooting lasted for over an hour, prompting safety warnings for UN staff.
Russia provided North Korea with missiles and military aid in exchange for deploying 10,900 troops to support its war in Ukraine, some of whom have reportedly engaged in combat, according to South Korean officials.
Azerbaijan has created favorable conditions for lasting peace, stability and reliable security in the South Caucasus, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an address to the participants of the 12th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (I
Romania and Bulgaria may become full members of Europe's borderless Schengen travel zone in January 2025, Hungary said on Friday, adding a final decision would be made at next month's meeting of EU interior ministers.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday he would invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary, saying he would guarantee that an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu would "not be observed".
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