The European Parliament (EP) is making a strong push for Bulgaria and Romania to gain full Schengen Area access by the end of 2 024. This move aims to eliminate land border control delays and streamline the flow of goods across the European Union.
Addressing Bottlenecks at Land Borders
Currently, Bulgaria and Romania only have partial Schengen membership, meaning air and sea travel is unrestricted. However, land border crossings still require checks, leading to long queues for trucks. The EP fears these delays harm the health and safety of drivers, disrupt road safety, and hinder the entire logistics sector.
Proposed Solutions
To address these concerns, the EP has proposed two key solutions:
- One-Minute Truck Inspections: A new rule limiting land border truck inspections to a maximum of one minute per vehicle. This proposal aims to significantly expedite border crossings.
- Utilizing Smaller Border Checkpoints: The EP supports allowing truck drivers to use smaller border crossings under specific conditions. This would help distribute traffic and reduce congestion at major checkpoints.
The Importance of Full Schengen Membership
MEPs believe full Schengen membership is the ultimate solution. Emil Radev, a Bulgarian MEP, emphasizes that full membership would eliminate time-consuming border control procedures for all types of vehicles. Additionally, the EP has reaffirmed its support for Bulgaria and Romania’s full Schengen inclusion.
Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the EP’s stance is encouraging, challenges remain. The Council of the European Union has yet to set a specific date for land border accession and river borders (like the Danube) are also subject to control.
Despite past opposition from some member states, recent developments suggest a more positive outlook. An Austrian economist recently advocated for finalizing land border accession by May 1st, 2024.
The Impact of Delays
The delay in full Schengen access has had significant financial consequences for Bulgaria and Romania. Businesses in both countries have reportedly lost billions of Euros due to border stoppages, highlighting the urgency of a solution.
The EU Parliament’s actions signal a growing commitment to smoother border operations and a more unified Europe. With continued support, Bulgaria and Romania’s full Schengen membership may be closer than ever.
