European Parliament: Bulgaria and Romania Must Be in Schengen by the End of 2023

Members of the European Parliament have adopted a resolution calling on the European Council to approve the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area by the end of 2023, according to the European Parliament's press service.

The European Parliament emphasizes that both countries have already fulfilled the necessary requirements for joining Schengen. The resolution was approved by 526 votes in favor, 57 against, and 42 abstentions.

MEPs express regret over the Council's decision on December 8, 2022, to deny them membership "without providing any legal justification related to the entry criteria." The resolution argues that an expanded Schengen zone without border controls would make the EU stronger, and all member states have the right to join when they are ready.

MEPs underline that the exclusion of Romania and Bulgaria from the visa-free travel area burdens the business and population of both countries socially and economically. Citizens of Bulgaria and Romania face discrimination, encountering delays, bureaucratic difficulties, and additional costs during travel or conducting business.

The resolution also highlights the "irreversible damage" to the environment, contradicting the EU's climate balance goals. Thousands of vehicles wait daily at the borders of Bulgaria and Romania for several hours to several days, resulting in approximately 46,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This poses a threat to the health of drivers, customs officers, and people living near border crossings.

In their resolution, MEPs call on the European Commission to assess alternative costs and the damage suffered by Romania and Bulgaria since June 2011 due to an "unfounded refusal" of membership in the Schengen area, and they request consideration of financial compensation options.

Currently, the Schengen area consists of 22 EU countries, as well as Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland. New members can only be admitted to the Schengen area by unanimous approval of the ministers of EU countries, following the decision of the European Parliament.

Previously, in December 2022, the Ministers of Interior of EU countries failed to approve the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area but agreed on Croatia's membership. Austria and the Netherlands voted against the entry of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen area. The Netherlands clarified that they are not opposed to Romania but specifically against Bulgaria. However, since two separate decisions were made - one regarding Croatia and another regarding Bulgaria and Romania - their vote was also against the latter.