After years of attempting to join the Schengen travel zone, Romania and Bulgaria have been given partial accession to the Schengen area. This marks a new level of integration of the two countries in the European Union. If reports are to go by, the two countries may be given full accession by the end of the year. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about the accession of the two countries to the Schengen travel zone.
These 2 Countries Get Partial Accession To Schengen Travel Zone
According to an article which was recently published by The Independent, Romania and Bulgaria have been granted partial accession to the Schengen travel zone. People who are travelling by land or sea will now have free access to the other Schengen countries.
Certain checks on the land will remain in place, however. This is done primarily to curtail illegal immigration. Granting accession to these two countries has been widely hailed as a huge success for them.
As per the statement made by Ursula von der Leyen, it is a historic moment for the largest free travel zone in the world. She is the the EU Commission President. Austria opposed the accession. The two countries fulfilled the criteria so, they were granted accession.
Countries To Implement Necessary Measures To Curtail Illegal Immigration
Siegfried Muresan a Romanian Member of the European Parliament cited in the Independent article, that this is an important first step. He mentioned that the two countries fulfil the criteria and should be able to join the border as well.
He also mentioned that they will give additional arguments to the member state who has been opposing this move. Muresan was referring to Austria.
Also Read: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain & Oman Apply For Schengen Visa Waiver; Details Inside
Have you ever been to Romania or Bulgaria? Would you like to, now that it’s a part of the Schengen travel zone? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.