Austria clears path for Romania and Bulgaria in Schengen

Austria has lifted its veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen membership, paving the way for EU ministers to finalize their entry this week. This decision follows a significant reduction in illegal border crossings, a result of Austria's immigration demands.

Austria has removed its veto, allowing Romania and Bulgaria to join the Schengen free-travel area. This decision paves the way for a crucial meeting among EU ministers this week to finalize their full membership.

Austria had initially raised concerns over illegal immigration, leading to a partial agreement in March to lift air and maritime border checks for both countries. However, land border controls have remained a point of negotiation.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner noted that the reduction in illegal crossings, from 70,000 interceptions last year to just 4,000 this year, is a direct result of Austria's demands. With this step, Romania and Bulgaria will now be able to fully integrate into the Schengen area, allowing free movement across both air and land borders.

The final approval is expected at Thursday's EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting.

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