Mariya Gabriel: Bulgaria's Schengen Step Signals European Integration Success

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Mariya Gabriel, expressed gratitude to the collective efforts that propelled Bulgaria into the Schengen agreement for air and sea borders. Highlighting Bulgaria's pivotal role in safeguarding the European Union's external boundaries, Gabriel emphasized the country's robust border control system, reinforcing EU security. Looking ahead, she affirmed continued collaborative efforts in 2024 to further dissolve land border controls, strengthening the Schengen area alongside Romania.

"We've earned back trust, enhanced security, and deepened European integration," expressed Kiril Petkov, co-chairman of We Continue the Change and former Prime Minister, via Facebook. Acknowledging potential opposition from political and geopolitical adversaries, Petkov stressed the priority of national interests superseding political or party affiliations, marking the Schengen entry as a momentous day for Bulgaria.

News outlets across the world, including Europe and the USA via Nova TV, have highlighted Bulgaria and Romania's imminent entry into the Schengen zone through air and sea routes starting in March next year. AFP reported that all 27 EU member states agreed to lift internal air and sea border checks with Bulgaria and Romania by March 31, coinciding with the transition from winter to summer flight schedules by the International Aviation Association (IATA).

This landmark decision comes after more than 12 years of negotiations. While the European Commission had acknowledged Bulgaria and Romania's readiness for Schengen since 2011, Vienna had previously vetoed their entry, citing concerns about illegal migrant inflow to Austria. However, Vienna agreed to lift the veto after securing guarantees related to...