After a 13-year wait, Bulgaria and Romania have partially joined Europe’s Schengen area of free movement, much to the delight of travelers but to the frustration of business owners and truck drivers.
The two countries have finally reached an agreement to join the continent’s free-travel area by air and sea. However, land crossings are not included at this stage due to concerns over undocumented migration. This decision comes as the Schengen zone now comprises 29 members, including 25 EU member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The lifting of controls at air and sea borders has both practical and symbolic value, with travelers celebrating the ease of movement. However, truck drivers are facing long queues at borders with European neighbors, prompting calls for urgent measures to achieve full Schengen integration.
Despite the progress, Bulgarian businesses are expressing frustration over the slow pace, as most goods are transported by land and not covered by the Schengen agreements. Both Bulgaria and Romania have committed to completing the Schengen process by 2024, including the extension to land borders.
Concerns over managing irregular migration through land borders have been a major factor in delaying full Schengen membership for Bulgaria and Romania. Efforts are underway to strengthen migration management, including increased police cooperation and support from the EU’s border agency Frontex.
As the two countries continue their journey towards full Schengen membership, it remains to be seen how they will address the challenges that come with managing their land borders while ensuring the free movement of people and goods in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story on Celebrity Beauty Buzz.
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