Tag

Schengen Zone

All articles tagged with #schengen zone

international1 year ago•4 min saved

Romania and Bulgaria Achieve Full Schengen Membership

Romania and Bulgaria have been approved to join the EU's border-free Schengen travel zone starting January 1, 2025, allowing passport-free travel across most of Europe. This decision is a significant relief for the 25 million residents of these countries, marking their full acceptance into the EU. However, challenges remain for truck drivers due to continued border inspections, particularly at the Romania-Hungary crossing, which could persist for at least six months. The move is expected to benefit private travelers more immediately, while the transport industry anticipates gradual improvements.

via BBC.com|

#border-control #bulgaria #eu

international-relations1 year ago•2 min saved

"Romania and Bulgaria Partially Join Schengen Area, Air and Sea Passport Checks Lifted"

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen travel zone, allowing free access for travelers arriving by air or sea but maintaining land border checks due to opposition primarily from Austria over illegal migration concerns. The move has been hailed as a "huge success" and a "historic moment" by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Both countries have been fulfilling the criteria for joining the Schengen area for years and are expected to fully accede by the end of the year, with Bulgaria aiming for full accession by the end of 2024. However, concerns have been raised about potential long queues at EU land borders and the impact on trade and the health and safety of drivers.

via The Associated Press|

#border-controls #bulgaria #european-union

international-relations1 year ago•2 min saved

"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.

via FRANCE 24 English|

#border-controls #bulgaria #european-union

world-news2 years ago•2 min saved

"Kosovo Embraces New Era of Visa-Free Travel to Schengen Zone"

Kosovo citizens celebrated their first day of visa-free travel to the Schengen area on January 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone after years of visa requirements for the EU. The move, which allows for 90 days of travel within a 180-day period, was greeted with enthusiasm at Pristina Airport, with some citizens already planning short trips to seek employment opportunities. Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti hailed the event as the end of a long-standing injustice, while the government cautioned against misusing the new travel privileges.

via Reuters|

#eu #kosovo #pristina-airport

international-relations2 years ago•0 min saved

Netherlands and Austria Clear Path for Bulgaria's Schengen Accession

The Netherlands has lifted its objection to Bulgaria joining the EU's Schengen Zone, citing that Bulgaria now meets the necessary conditions. Previously, the Netherlands had opposed Bulgaria's entry due to concerns over corruption and migration. However, Austria still opposes Bulgaria's accession, although it is willing to compromise by allowing plane travel in exchange for tighter security at the EU's external border.

via Reuters|

#bulgaria #eu #international-relations

international-affairs2 years ago•3 min saved

"Escalating Border Controls in Europe Amidst Migrant Route Challenges"

Several European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, France, Slovakia, and Slovenia, have tightened their borders by reintroducing temporary border controls due to an increase in legal and illegal arrivals of migrants. These measures are being taken in response to various security threats, including pressure on asylum reception systems, arms trafficking, criminal networks, terrorism, and the war in Ukraine. The controls are set to last until different dates ranging from December 2021 to May 2024. Additionally, Finland has temporarily closed most of its passenger crossings to Russia due to a surge in migrant arrivals.

via Reuters|

#border-controls #european-union #international-affairs

international-affairs2 years ago•3 min saved

European Countries Implement Stricter Border Controls

Several European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, France, Slovakia, and Slovenia, have tightened their borders by reintroducing temporary controls due to an increase in legal and illegal arrivals of migrants. These measures are being taken in response to various security threats, including pressure on asylum reception systems, arms trafficking, criminal networks linked to the war in Ukraine, people smuggling, terrorism, organized crime, and threats from foreign intelligence services. Some countries have extended these border controls until 2024, while others have set shorter timeframes. Finland has temporarily closed most of its passenger crossings to Russia due to a surge in migrant arrivals.

via AOL|

#border-controls #european-union #international-affairs