European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong confidence in Romania and Bulgaria's imminent accession to the Schengen zone, emphasizing the EU's support and ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by Austria.
Following the EU summit in Brussels, von der Leyen reassured both countries of the Commission's firm belief in their readiness for full Schengen membership, stating, "You can count on us to further strengthen the borders and convince Austria that Romania and Bulgaria deserve to be fully in Schengen."
Her statement reiterates the Commission's longstanding position, supported by several recent developments:
- EU-funded border reinforcement projects in Romania and Bulgaria, demonstrating commitment to addressing concerns.
- Successful fact-finding missions leading to Austria's agreement on "taking the first steps towards air and maritime Schengen" for both countries.
- Increased resources for border security allocated in the recently approved multiannual EU budget.
The December 2023 decision to lift air and maritime border controls in March 2024 marks a significant step forward. Discussions on removing land border controls remain ongoing and are expected to be a top priority at the upcoming EU interior ministers meeting in March.
Von der Leyen's statement underlines the EU's commitment to Romania and Bulgaria's full Schengen integration, highlighting ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles and pave the way for seamless travel within the European Union.
