“Let’s not cross the bridge when we are there,” said Gerhard Karner, which according to the publication means: everything is still not 100% certain Full membership could start as early as 1 January 2025; ministers within the EU must vote on the decision by then. This is expected to happen on December 12.
Despite the efforts made by Bulgaria and Romania in the past months, what is still needed is the “border protection package” announced after the meeting: 100 border police (including Austria) on the EU’s external border between Bulgaria and Turkey, continuing internally. border controls and preventing the entry of illegal migrants and smugglers.
“Austria was involved and made itself and Europe safer,” Karner announced in 2022, Austria caught 70,000 illegal migrants at the eastern border, now there are 3,000 without crossing illegal borders, “that should be the goal,” explained Vienna’s interior minister.
In the last few weeks, it has already become clear that Austria’s controversial veto may soon be overturned. The Netherlands, which was also initially opposed to joining Schengen, albeit less strongly, has now abandoned the lock – it is only a decision in parliament, which is considered safe despite the right-wing government.
According to the Ministry of the Interior in Vienna, illegal EU border crossings fell by 42% between January and November this year compared to the same period last year; even stronger for the Balkan route. Since January, illegal border crossings in Bulgaria have decreased by 47 percent compared to the same period last year, and in Romania by 53 percent.
The package for external border control presented in Budapest envisages the deployment of a common group of border officers who will be stationed at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs explained. inside Hungary, Sandor Pinter. The details and exact number of officers sent by each country will be clarified before December.
In addition, on the border between Romania and Bulgaria, border control will continue for “a while”, said Karner.
2024-11-22 12:33:00
#Romania #Bulgaria #Schengen #January #border #controls
**Given the temporary nature of the “border protection package,” what long-term solutions should be prioritized by the EU to ensure sustainable border management and migrant control within the Schengen Area, particularly concerning Romania and Bulgaria’s coastline?**
## World Today News: Schengen Expansion – A Step Closer?
**Interview with:**
* **Dr. Ana Petrova:** Professor of European Union Law, University of Bucharest
* **Mr. Matthias Berger:** Senior Researcher, Austrian Institute for International Affairs
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News’ in-depth analysis of the recent developments concerning Romania and Bulgaria’s potential accession to the Schengen Area. With us today, we have two distinguished experts, Dr. Ana Petrova and Mr. Matthias Berger, who will shed light on this complex issue.
**Section 1: Shifting Tides – Austria’s Veto and the Hungarian Presidency**
**Host:**
Dr. Petrova, Austria has long been a roadblock in Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen bid. What has changed in their stance, foreshadowed by Foreign Minister Karner’s statement “Let’s not cross the bridge when we are there”?
**Dr. Petrova:**
Good morning. Austria’s shift in attitude appears to be multifaceted. First, they’re responding to pressure from the Hungarian presidency, which has actively sought to achieve a unified EU front. Second, the Hungarian-mediated “border protection package” seems to address Austria’s primary concerns regarding migration control. While not a complete reversal of their stance, it suggests a willingness to conditionally support expansion.
**Host:**
Mr. Berger, can you elaborate on the potential factors behind Austria’s softening position? Is it purely due to external pressure, or are there internal political considerations at play?
**Mr. Berger:**
Indeed, pressure from Hungary played a role, but Austria is facing internal pressure as well. The issue of migration control is politically sensitive within Austria. Their move to deploy more personnel at the Bulgarian-Turkish border indicates a desire to demonstrate concrete action in managing migration flows before fully relinquishing their veto.
**Section 2: The “Border Protection Package” – A Temporary Solution?**
**Host:**
The proposed “border protection package” involves deploying 100 border police officers to Bulgaria’s border with Turkey. What are the implications of this initiative, and is it a sustainable long-term solution?
**Mr. Berger:**
The package is a tactical compromise. While it addresses Austria’s immediate concerns, it raises questions about long-term sustainability.
Will this deployment be deemed sufficient to ensure security? How will the shared responsibility be managed, and will it necessitate ongoing dependence on Austria beyond 2025? These remain crucial questions.
**Dr. Petrova:**
As a legal scholar, my concern lies with the precedent this sets. Are we creating a two-tiered Schengen system where specific countries bear disproportionate responsibility for border control? This could undermine the fundamental principle of solidarity within the Schengen Area.
**Section 3: A Timeline for Accession – December 12th and Beyond**
**Host:**
With the December 12th vote looming, what are the key hurdles Romania and Bulgaria still face on their path to full Schengen membership?
**Dr. Petrova:**
While Austria’s agreement signals a significant step forward, it’s not a guarantee.
Internal political pressures in Austria, particularly from right-wing parties, could still derail the process. Additionally, public sentiment and parliamentary approval within each member state remain important considerations.
**Host:**
Mr. Berger, if Romania and Bulgaria are granted full membership, what impact could we see on the overall Schengen system and the EU as a whole?
**Mr. Berger:**
It would be a symbolic victory for both countries, signifying their integration into the core of European cooperation. However, it also raises challenges: managing migration flows and ensuring security without relinquishing the principle of free movement within Schengen are crucial concerns. The EU needs to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing these issues,
**Host:**
Thank you, Dr. Petrova and Mr. Berger, for your insightful perspectives on this crucial topic. As we approach December 12th, the world will be watching to see if Romania and Bulgaria finally achieve their long-held dream of joining the Schengen Area.
