"Bulgaria and Romania Partially Join EU's Schengen Zone, Easing Passport Checks for Air Travelers"

Bulgaria and Romania have partially joined the Schengen area, allowing for visa-free travel by air and sea but not land routes due to Austria's concerns about asylum seekers. The move is seen as a significant symbolic milestone for the two countries, with plans to fully integrate into Schengen by the end of the year. However, truck drivers and businesses in both countries have expressed frustration over the slow progress and financial losses caused by long border waits, while officials emphasize the irreversible nature of the integration process.