Key Takeaways
- The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has called on the EU to set a definitive date for Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen accession, emphasizing the urgency.
- Removing land border controls between these countries and the rest of the Schengen Zone will reduce economic, political, and environmental costs.
- Partial Schengen membership has led to significant financial losses for Bulgaria and Romania, showcasing the necessity of full integration.
- A final decision is expected on December 12, with full membership potentially commencing in January 2025.
The prolonged debate over Romania and Bulgaria’s full accession to the Schengen Area has reached a critical juncture. Europe, often lauded for its principles of equality and solidarity, continues to delay this critical integration for these two Balkan nations. In my view, this delay not only undermines their economies but erodes the trust in European unity.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has once again highlighted the importance of resolving this issue. It has urged the EU to set a clear deadline by the end of the year for removing land border controls. While air and sea borders were opened for Romania and Bulgaria in March 2024, their full integration remains incomplete, leaving a bitter aftertaste of exclusion.
A decision is anticipated during the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on December 12, potentially paving the way for full membership by January 2025. But this prolonged limbo has already cost these nations dearly — economically, politically, and socially.
The Cost of Waiting
Romania and Bulgaria are paying a steep price for their partial Schengen membership. Bulgaria, for instance, has lost over €834 million in direct, indirect, and environmental costs due to logistical delays and trade inefficiencies. Romanian transport operators, too, bear losses exceeding €90 million annually due to border delays, with the country’s overall losses reaching €2.32 billion.
Businesses face increased fuel and labor costs, while consumers shoulder higher prices. Tourism, too, suffers as border challenges deter travelers. Most importantly, everyday citizens bear the brunt of political indecision, spending hours at border checkpoints that should no longer exist in a truly unified Europe.
Political and Social Repercussions
Beyond the financial toll, the partial Schengen membership creates a sense of second-class citizenship for Romanian and Bulgarian nationals. How does the EU justify excluding these countries when they have met all technical requirements for Schengen accession? Particularly when countries with less stable governance structures have already been granted full access.
This issue transcends borders; it’s about trust in the European project. If the EU cannot honor its commitments to member states that fulfill their obligations, what does it say about its foundational principles?
For me, the case of Romania and Bulgaria is a litmus test for the EU’s integrity. It’s time to stop delaying and take decisive action to integrate these countries fully into the Schengen Area. Only then can Europe truly claim to be united.
