Schengen enlargement on the EU agenda

The interior ministers of the European Union (EU) countries met in Brussels to attend the last meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in 2022 under the Czech Presidency. Speaking to the press at the entrance to the meeting, the vice-president of the EU Commission, Margaritis Schinas, said that the ministers will discuss the accession of Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia to Schengen.

Schinas said the commission concluded that the three countries were technically ready for this, saying: “Some remaining doubts are political.” Schinas said he was confident that the ministers would give the green light to Croatia and expressed hope that the talks would be positive for the other two countries.

Austria opposes the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the Schengen visa-free zone in Europe. The Netherlands, on the other hand, does not want only Bulgaria to enter Schengen.
Both countries cite concerns about corruption, border controls and the rule of law.

The vote on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania will take place jointly. Croatia will be voted on separately. For the extension of Schengen the unanimity of each member state is required.

The Schengen area is made up of 26 European countries. Citizens of more than 60 countries can travel to Schengen countries without a visa. Visas are required from citizens of more than 100 countries. (AA)