The full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen Area in 2024 will bring not only economic benefits but also strengthen European solidarity and unity, marking a strong start for the European Commission under its new mandate, Euractiv reports.
The opportunity to close the dossier on Romania and Bulgaria’s full accession to Schengen is more promising than ever. According to expert assessments, both countries have met all the necessary conditions for accession to the Schengen Area and controls at internal air and sea borders between Bulgaria, Romania and other Schengen countries have been lifted from March 31, 2024.
However, a further decision on the abolition of controls at internal land borders has not yet been taken. This article examines the economic benefits and the positive impact of completing the EU accession process in 2024 on the image of the EU.
Economic and political benefits
The two countries’ path to Schengen membership has been marked by thorough assessments and reforms. The Commission first confirmed that both countries were ready to become part of Schengen in 2011. Since then, Bulgaria and Romania have continued to demonstrate that they fulfil the conditions for Schengen membership, and in 2022 and 2023 the experts reaffirmed that they are ready to become members.
Security, police and judicial co-operation measures have been put in place in these two countries to ensure that the EU remains strong against security threats. These achievements underline these countries’ commitment to EU standards and values and should pave the way for their full integration into the Schengen Area.
The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area will bring significant economic benefits not only to these countries, but also to other EU Member States. The abolition of border controls will facilitate smoother and faster trade, stimulating economic activity and increasing competitiveness. For Romania and Bulgaria, this means increased tourism, investment opportunities and a stronger presence on the European market.
In addition, the unimpeded movement of goods and people will reduce logistics costs and time, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Thus, the economic integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area will contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of the EU.
Strengthening European solidarity
The finalisation of the legislative instrument for accession to Schengen Area in 2024 would send a strong signal of solidarity and unity at the European level. It would demonstrate the EU’s commitment to inclusiveness and free movement, reinforcing the idea of a united Europe. The move would also improve the EU’s image at the global level, demonstrating its ability to integrate new members and uphold its core values.
The timing of this decision is crucial. The finalisation of the dossier at the beginning of the European Commission’s new mandate would symbolise a strong start for the executive, underlining its commitment to strengthening the European project. Indeed, in her letter of office to Commissioner-designate for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, President von der Leyen emphasised the importance of solidarity and unity in tackling migration and border management.
Commissioner-designate Brunner will undoubtedly face questions from Members of the European Parliament on the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area during his confirmation hearings, and a strong response that reflects his strong commitment to this issue will mark an important start to his mandate.
Migration issues
One of the key arguments in favour of Romania and Bulgaria joining Schengen is that there are no technical or political reasons to maintain the opt-out. For example, the problem of irregular migration through the Western Balkans has been significantly reduced. According to FRONTEX, in the first seven months of 2024, illegal migration along this route has decreased by 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. This significant reduction addresses one of the main concerns previously highlighted by some EU member states.
Furthermore, Draghi’s report on European competitiveness, commissioned by the European Commission, emphasises the need for a united and competitive Europe to face global challenges. The report emphasises the importance of removing internal barriers and developing economic integration to strengthen the EU’s position in the world.
