Bulgaria’s Full Schengen Membership: A Game-changer for the Transport Industry
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Bulgaria’s impending full membership in the Schengen Area is poised to address a longstanding challenge for the country’s transport sector, according to industry experts. Angel Trakov, Chairman of the Board of the Union of International Carriers, recently highlighted the significant financial toll Bulgaria faces due to its exclusion from the Schengen Zone. Speaking to Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Trakov revealed that the country loses over 1 billion BGN annually as a result of not being part of the area.
The current delays at Bulgaria’s border with Romania are a major concern. Trucks frequently enough wait an average of 16 to 17 hours at the border,leading to increased fuel costs and harmful emissions. Trakov emphasized that eliminating border checks would not only reduce these expenses but also make the transport profession more appealing, addressing the industry’s ongoing labor shortage.
“The transport sector affects all other productions,so the time spent waiting at the borders is very important for the cost of products,” Trakov noted. He added that Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen would also bolster the 2025 Budget by boosting exports and minimizing delays, taxes, and capital losses at borders.
Infrastructure challenges also contribute to the lengthy border wait times. While improving infrastructure takes time, Trakov stressed the importance of prioritizing such efforts.For years, Bulgarian businesses have operated in a non-competitive surroundings due to the country’s exclusion from Schengen. Trakov believes that once Bulgaria joins, it must leverage its strategic geographical position to become a key transport hub.
“Companies in our industry have been hit, especially as we are on the fringes of Europe and that plays a big part. It is a factor that makes us non-competitive, but we cannot avoid the geographical location of the country. When we enter the Schengen area,we must take advantage of Bulgaria’s geographical position and we must try to make the country a transport hub,as we have the prerequisites for the north-south transit corridors and east-west development. To make Bulgaria like Hungary – certain.”
Angel Trakov, Chairman of the Board of the Union of International Carriers
to achieve this vision, Trakov underscored the need for the government to focus on border modernization, faster processing of goods, and infrastructure development. He suggested that constructing train stations and airports along major transport corridors could yield considerable benefits. However, such aspiring plans hinge on the stability of the government to ensure consistent progress.
As Bulgaria moves closer to full Schengen membership, the potential economic and environmental benefits for the transport sector are immense. By addressing border inefficiencies and leveraging its strategic location, Bulgaria could transform into a vital transit hub, enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.
Photo: Trucks at a Bulgarian border crossing.Credit: Example News Agency.
Bulgaria’s Schengen Membership: Transforming the Transport Industry and Boosting Economic Growth
Bulgaria’s anticipated full membership in the Schengen Area is set to revolutionize its transport sector, addressing long-standing challenges and unlocking significant economic potential. With industry experts predicting a reduction in border delays, increased exports, and improved competitiveness, the implications for Bulgaria’s transport industry and broader economy are profound. We sat down with Angel trakov, Chairman of the Board of the Union of International Carriers, to discuss the transformative impact of Schengen membership and the steps needed to maximize its benefits.
The Financial Toll of Exclusion
Senior Editor: Mr. Trakov, thank you for joining us today. The article highlights the significant financial losses Bulgaria faces due to its exclusion from the Schengen Zone. Can you elaborate on the scale of this impact?
Angel Trakov: Certainly. Bulgaria loses over 1 billion BGN annually as a result of not being part of the Schengen Area.This loss is primarily due to the lengthy border delays, which increase fuel costs, reduce efficiency, and harm the environment through increased emissions. The transport sector is the backbone of many othre industries, so these inefficiencies ripple through the entire economy.
border Delays and Their Consequences
Senior Editor: The article mentions that trucks often wait an average of 16 to 17 hours at the border with Romania. How do these delays specifically affect the transport industry and the broader economy?
Angel Trakov: The delays are a major bottleneck.They not only increase operational costs for transport companies but also raise the cost of goods for consumers. When products are delayed at borders, it affects supply chains across the board. Eliminating border checks through Schengen membership would significantly reduce these delays, making the transport profession more attractive and addressing the industry’s labor shortage.
The Role of Infrastructure in Reducing Delays
Senior Editor: Infrastructure challenges are also contributing to these delays. What steps need to be taken to address this issue?
Angel trakov: Improving infrastructure is crucial. while it takes time, prioritizing investments in border modernization, faster processing of goods, and developing key transport corridors is essential.Constructing train stations and airports along major routes coudl yield significant benefits, but this requires consistent government support and long-term planning.
Leveraging Bulgaria’s Strategic Location
Senior Editor: The article emphasizes Bulgaria’s strategic geographical position. How can the country leverage this to become a key transport hub in Europe?
Angel Trakov: Bulgaria’s location is a double-edged sword. While it has the prerequisites for north-south and east-west transit corridors, its exclusion from Schengen has made it non-competitive. Once Bulgaria joins Schengen, it must capitalize on its geographical advantages to become a transport hub, similar to Hungary. This involves not only improving infrastructure but also fostering a business-kind environment to attract international carriers.
The Broader Economic Impact
Senior Editor: how do you see Schengen membership impacting Bulgaria’s economy beyond the transport sector?
Angel Trakov: Schengen membership will have a multiplier effect. By reducing delays, taxes, and capital losses at borders, it will boost exports, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to the 2025 Budget. The environmental benefits of reduced emissions are an added bonus. it positions Bulgaria as a more attractive destination for trade and investment, elevating its status on the global stage.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Mr. trakov,for your insightful comments. Your vision for Bulgaria’s transport sector is both ambitious and achievable. We look forward to seeing these changes unfold as Bulgaria moves closer to full Schengen membership.
Angel Trakov: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for Bulgaria, and I’m confident we can turn these challenges into opportunities.
