Austria’s Interior Minister has suggested that Austria may lift its longstanding veto blocking Romania and Bulgaria from full Schengen area membership, a move that could significantly advance their integration into the European Union’s free movement zone. The minister’s comments come after notable improvements in border protections in both countries and amid strong support from Austria’s designated EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner.
For two years, Austria has resisted the full admission of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen zone, citing concerns over rising refugee numbers entering Austria via the Western Balkans route. During this period, the rules were partially eased to permit air and sea travel between the Schengen area and both countries, although land borders remained restricted.
Speaking recently at a European Parliament hearing, Austria’s Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, remarked, “We’re seeing a significant drop in illegal migration through these particular routes, a sign that we’re on the right path, even though there is still progress to be made.” He added that Austria’s veto has helped boost border control measures and repatriation processes, with the ultimate goal being to reduce illegal migration as close to zero as possible.
Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu has expressed optimism that Romania is in the “final stretch” toward Schengen membership. Negrescu has outlined three potential timelines: a decision within this year, a longer-term negotiation process with the next European Commission, or possible delays due to political factors in Bulgaria. Romania’s Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, believes a decision could be reached before the second round of Romania’s presidential elections on December 8, paving the way for Romania’s full Schengen entry by spring 2025.
Ciolacu has further stated that once an agreement is in place, the implementation process could begin in March 2025, allowing Romanians to cross EU land borders without checks as soon as Easter of that year.
Progress in the talks has also been highlighted by Magnus Brunner, who indicated during his EU Parliament hearing that Schengen enlargement discussions are making “good progress.” This promising development may result in a formal agreement, possibly to be finalized during a key meeting with representatives from Romania and Bulgaria on November 22 in Hungary.
Should Austria follow through on lifting its veto, Romania and Bulgaria could soon join the Schengen area fully, a change that would significantly ease movement and strengthen integration within the EU.
