Austria Hints at Ending Veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s Full Schengen Membership Following Border Control Enhancements
Austria’s Interior Minister has indicated a possible shift in Austria’s stance on allowing Romania and Bulgaria full membership in the Schengen zone, citing advancements in border security as a promising development. The change comes after Austria’s incoming EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, expressed his support for Romania and Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen area, a move that would extend Europe’s free movement zone to both countries.
Since 2021, Austria has opposed Romania and Bulgaria’s full admission into Schengen, primarily due to concerns over the high number of refugees entering Austria via the Western Balkans. In response, Austria imposed restrictions, though it later allowed free air and sea travel between the Schengen area and the two countries. However, Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, noted that conditions have improved, commenting, “Illegal migration through these countries has decreased significantly, indicating that we’re on the right path, even though challenges remain.”
The minister also emphasized that Austria’s veto has led to strengthened border protections and repatriation measures, with a continued focus on minimizing unauthorized migration.
Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu has shared optimism for Romania’s progress toward Schengen membership, detailing possible outcomes: a decision this year, negotiations with the incoming European Commission, or delays tied to political developments in Bulgaria. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has expressed confidence that Romania could achieve full Schengen membership by spring 2025, potentially even finalizing an agreement by December 8, ahead of the second round of Romania’s presidential elections.
Ciolacu also noted that, if approved, the implementation process could begin in March 2025, enabling Romanians to cross EU land borders freely by Easter.
The Schengen membership discussions have been making significant headway, with Magnus Brunner recently affirming during his EU Parliament hearing that talks are progressing positively. The long-awaited breakthrough could come during a meeting with Romanian and Bulgarian representatives scheduled for November 22 in Hungary.
Should Austria proceed with lifting its veto, Romania and Bulgaria could soon enjoy the benefits of Schengen membership, simplifying travel and further integrating the two countries into the EU.
