For those not in the know, the The Schengen Area is an area comprising 27 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. Being an element within the wider area of freedom, security and justice policy of the EU, it mostly functions as a single jurisdiction under a common visa policy for international travel purposes. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Schengen Convention, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg. It’s very useful – for all involved – and makes travel so much easier as you move around Europe.
Schengen enables cross-border travel without the need to carry a passport or pass through border controls. It currently encompasses 26 countries, including 22 EU member states, and almost 420 million citizens. Joining Schengen is a legal obligation for every EU country.
But, in recent activity, Austria has blocked the accession of Romania and Bulgaria into Schengen. The negative result, which was widely expected, represents a difficult political defeat for both Romania and Bulgaria, who joined the EU six years before Croatia. The Netherlands backed Romania’s bid but opposed Bulgaria’s. Croatia, however, received unanimous backing and will join the Schengen Area as of January 2023.
This, of course, complicates travel for those who wish to visit Romania and Bulgaria. It can be done, but takes more time and potential visitors will need to prepare with any relevant visas or other documentation.
Read more here courtesy of Euronews.com
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