Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession: A step towards European unity

Romania and Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area in 2024 would not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen European solidarity and unity, marking a strong start for the European Commission in its new mandate.

Romain Le Quiniou is the Director-General at Euro Créative and an analyst working on CEE countries.

The opportunity to close the dossier on the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area is now more promising than ever. According to expert evaluations, both countries have fulfilled the necessarry evaluation for Schengen membership, and As of March 31, 2024, controls at internal air and sea borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries have been lifted. However, a further decision regarding the removal of checks at internal land borders is still pending. This article explores the economic benefits and the positive impact that finalising the accession process in 2024 would have on the European Union’s  image.

Economic and political benefits

The journey of the two countries towards Schengen membership has been marked by rigorous evaluations and reforms. The Commission first confirmed that both countries were ready to become part of the Schengen area in 2011. Since then, Bulgaria and Romania have continued to demonstrate that they fulfil the conditions for becoming Schengen members, and experts reconfirmed in 2022 and 2023 that they were ready to become members. Security, police and judicial cooperation measures have been introduced in these two countries to ensure that the EU remains strong against security threats. These achievements underscore the commitment of the countries to upholding the standards and values of the EU, and should pave the way for their full integration into the Schengen zone.

The accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area would bring significant economic benefits not only to these countries but also to other EU member states. The removal of border controls would facilitate smoother and faster trade, boosting economic activities and enhancing competitiveness. For Romania and Bulgaria, this means increased tourism, investment opportunities, and a stronger presence in the European market. Moreover, the seamless movement of goods and people would reduce logistical costs and time, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. The economic integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area would thus contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of the EU.

Strengthening European solidarity

Finalizing the Schengen accession legislative file in 2024 would send a powerful message of solidarity and unity at the European level. It would demonstrate the EU’s commitment to inclusivity and the principle of free movement, reinforcing the idea of a united Europe. This move would also enhance the EU’s image globally, showcasing its ability to integrate new members and uphold its core values.

The timing of this decision is crucial. Finalizing the dossier at the beginning of the new European Commission’s mandate would symbolize a strong start for the executive body, highlighting its dedication to strengthening the European project. Indeed, in her mission letter to the Commissioner designate for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, President von der Leyen emphasized the importance of solidarity and unity in addressing migration and border management challenges^. Commissioner designate Brunner will undoubtedly face questions from Members of the European Parliament regarding the Schengen accession of Romania and Bulgaria during his confirmation hearings, and a strong response that would reflect his strong commitment to this issue would mark a significant start to his mandate.

One of the key arguments in favor of Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen accession is the absence of technical and political reasons for maintaining the refusal. For instance, the issue of illegal migration via the Western Balkans route has seen a significant decline. According to FRONTEX, illegal migration on this route decreased by 75% in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This substantial reduction addresses one of the major concerns previously cited by some member states. Additionally, the Draghi report on European competitiveness, commissioned by the European Commission, highlights the need for a united and competitive Europe to face global challenges. The report underscores the importance of removing internal barriers and fostering economic integration to enhance the EU’s global standing.

The full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area is not only a matter of meeting technical criteria but also a strategic decision that would benefit the entire EU. It would enhance economic growth, strengthen European solidarity, and send a strong message of unity. As the new European Commission begins its mandate, finalizing this dossier would mark a significant early achievement and set a positive tone for the future of the European Union.