Romania, Bulgaria join part of Schengen area after 13 years of waiting

Du khách làm thủ tục tại sân bay có biển chỉ dẫn mới lắp đặt dành cho khu vực Schengen và không thuộc Schengen tại sân bay quốc tế Henri Coanda ở Otopeni, Bulgaria, ngày 31-3 - Ảnh: AFP — Travelers check in at the newly installed Schengen and non-Schengen area signs at Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, Bulgaria, March 31 - Photo: AFP

According to AFP news agency, Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area on March 31 paves the way for air and sea travel between the two countries and the EU without border checks.

However, due to Austria's veto, land border controls will remain in place, as Austria opposes Eastern European countries becoming full members of the Schengen area for fear of an influx of asylum seekers.

Although only a partial member of the Schengen area, the removal of controls at the two countries' air and sea borders has important symbolic value.

Foreign policy analyst Stefan Popescu said that admission to Schengen was a "major milestone" for Bulgaria and Romania.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "This is a great success for both countries and a historic moment for the Schengen area. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all citizens."

With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, the Schengen area now has 29 members, including 25 of the 27 EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

The Schengen rules will apply to Romania's four seaports and 17 airports, with the international airport in Otopeni near the capital Bucharest being the largest hub.

The Romanian government said more staff, including border police and immigration officers, would be deployed to assist passengers and detect those trying to leave Romania illegally. Random checks would also be carried out to combat fake documents and human trafficking.

Both Bulgaria and Romania hope to be fully integrated into Schengen by the end of this year, but so far Austria has only given concessions for air and sea routes.

Founded in 1985, the Schengen area now allows more than 400 million people to travel freely between member countries without internal border controls.

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