The Schengen process in the European Union (EU) stands out as an important example of integration in economic, social and political terms, providing free movement between member states by removing border controls. This process embodies one of the fundamental values of the EU, freedom of movement, while creating a complex mechanism covering issues such as external border security, visa policies and information sharing. While the effective functioning of the Schengen area requires cooperation between member states, factors such as migration crises and security threats have an impact on the sustainability of this system.
Participation in the Schengen process has been a gradual process aimed at removing border controls for European countries. The Schengen Agreement, signed by Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in 1985, formed the basis of this process, initially aiming to facilitate economic cooperation but eventually gaining a political integration dimension. With the accession of Spain and Portugal in 1995, the region expanded and the Schengen principles reached the southwest of Europe. Following Italy and Austria in 1997, Greece, the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic states joined the process in the 2000s. 2007 was an important turning point in the expansion of Schengen, with many countries from Central and Eastern Europe integrating into the Schengen area after their EU membership.
Switzerland joined the Schengen Area on December 12, 2008 as a non-EU member state. Liechtenstein then joined the Schengen area on December 19, 2011. Croatia officially joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. While this process strengthened the integration in the east and west of Europe, the exclusion of some EU member states, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, created differences in the Schengen area. The inclusion of non-EU countries, such as Norway, Switzerland and Iceland, extended the geographical boundaries of the Schengen process beyond the EU.
Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen Area as full members as of January 1, 2025. This process began in 2011 when the European Commission declared that both countries were ready for membership. The final decision by the EU interior ministers was made possible after Austria lifted its long-standing veto. This decision was considered a historic step in terms of European integration, and the expansion of Schengen contributed to the vision of a stronger and more united Europe. However, despite this great success, it was stated that security checks will continue at the land borders between Hungary and Romania and Romania and Bulgaria for “at least” six months.[1]This may delay the full realization of free movement.
This development is a positive step for the expansion of the Schengen Area, but it should not be seen as a full integration process, especially since it is shaped under the influence of security concerns regarding irregular migration. The recent re-introduction of internal border controls by countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands highlights the difficulties facing the Schengen ideal of free movement. Although these steps are thought to be used as a political message to the public, the effectiveness of such controls is debatable. Strengthening solidarity and cooperation between member countries is of critical importance for the full functioning of the Schengen Area.
Austria’s decision to lift its veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full membership in the Schengen Area stands out as an important step towards expanding free movement in Europe. Austria initially blocked the process by demanding concrete steps to combat irregular migration.[2]However, as a result of the measures taken, there has been a significant decrease in migrant crossings. In particular, the significant decrease in the number of migrants caught at the Hungarian border shows that Austria’s demands have been met. This development can be considered as a positive development in terms of increasing the effectiveness of the Schengen Area and strengthening cooperation between member states. However, the extent to which such policies will serve the ideal of free movement in the long term and their effects on migrants’ rights continue to be discussed.
Many Schengen countries have implemented temporary border controls due to increased irregular migration, terrorist threats and security concerns. Germany has attracted attention in Europe by deciding to tighten controls at its land borders. Austria, France and Italy are among the countries that have adopted the same policy. Austria has taken measures, especially on its borders with Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, and justifies this step with the aim of reducing pressure on the asylum system and preventing terrorist threats.[3]France has maintained internal border controls due to migration pressure from the south. Scandinavian countries have also tightened border controls due to increasing security threats and infrastructure risks. Denmark has focused on its border with Germany, while Norway and Sweden have increased controls at ports.[4]These measures are linked to the threat of terrorism and the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian War on European security. These measures have complicated the Schengen Area’s principle of free movement, although countries have argued that such temporary steps are necessary due to security concerns.
The Schengen Area serves more than 400 million people as the largest free movement area in the world without border controls.[5]The accession of Romania and Bulgaria will reinforce the region’s commitment to the integration process and will be an important milestone in expanding the EU’s free movement principles. This process will bring economic, strategic and security advantages. The accession of the two countries will contribute to the acceleration of trade relations by strengthening free movement and will facilitate logistics processes in the European internal market. In addition, the geographical locations of Bulgaria and Romania will play a critical role in diversifying the EU’s trade routes and establishing strong connections between Eastern and Western Europe.
Full membership would increase regional stability by deepening the integration of Southeastern Europe.[6]This process will expand the EU’s influence in the Balkans and strengthen confidence in its enlargement policies. Bulgaria and Romania are strengthening their political and economic alignment with the EU, ensuring greater cooperation and solidarity. In terms of security, border management developed in line with the Schengen standard has made it possible to protect the EU’s external borders more effectively. When these countries join the Schengen Area, they will take on greater responsibility in combating illegal immigration and cross-border crime, thus contributing to the EU’s security architecture.
In summary; Romania and Bulgaria’s 13-year wait for full membership in the Schengen Area will finally come to an end. As of January 1, 2025, both countries will fully join the free movement area, including their land borders. This decision was taken after Austria lifted its veto, citing the flow of migrants. This development is considered a historic step in terms of Schengen’s expansion and the EU’s vision of integration. As a result, Bulgaria and Romania’s full membership in the Schengen Area has been a step that strengthens the EU’s integration process, increases economic dynamism and makes security measures more effective. This will ensure that not only the two countries, but all of Europe, gains a more united and powerful structure.
[1] Jorge Liboreiro& Maria Psara, “Romania and Bulgaria are granted full Schengen membership with one caveat”, Euronews,https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/12/romania-and-bulgaria-are-granted-full-schengen-membership-with-one-caveat,(Access Date: 12.12.2024).
[2] “Austria drops veto on Bulgaria and Romania fully joining Schengen travel zone”, Reuters,https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/austria-drops-veto-bulgaria-romania-fully-joining-schengen-travel-zone-2024-12-09/,(Access Date: 12.12.2024).
[3] Alessio Dell’Anna, “Which other Schengen countries have border checks in place?”, Euronews,https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/09/10/which-other-schengen-countries-have-border-checks-in-place,(Access Date: 12.12.2024).
[4] Ibid.
[5]“EU states agree historic full Schengen accession for Bulgaria, Romania”, Le Monde,https://www.lemonde.fr/en/europe/article/2024/12/12/eu-states-agree-historic-full-schengen-accession-for-bulgaria-romania_6735994_143.html,(Access Date: 12.12.2024).
[6] Ibid.
