Austrian government

Bulgaria and Romania's full entry into Schengen is still uncertain, with Austria not yet ready to lift its veto, despite hopes expressed by both the Romanian and Bulgarian governments.

Since late 2022, Bulgaria and Romania have been primarily focused on Austria regarding their inclusion in the Schengen Agreement. This agreement, initiated in 1985, allows for border-free travel across Europe. However, Austria's unexpected veto halted the EU's plan to incorporate both countries into the Schengen zone.

Walter Baier, the leading candidate of the European Left for the upcoming European elections, has expressed his dismay over Austria's stance on Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen zone. Describing the Austrian government's position as "shameful, unfair, and ineffective," Baier's remarks reflect broader discontent within the European Left regarding the issue.

The Austrian government has specified five prerequisites for potentially lifting checks at Schengen land borders for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens, as detailed in a statement released after the European Council's decision to open air and sea borders for both countries on December 29.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov is leaving today for his first official visit to Vienna in an attempt to change Austria's decision to block Bulgaria's membership in the Schengen area. Talks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer and meetings in the Austrian Parliament are planned.

"Bulgaria has done its homework for Schengen, there are no obstacles to its membership." This was stated by the Vice President of the European Parliament, Evelyn Regner, on Nova TV.

Balkan Naci İslimyeli, a leading figure in Turkish painting, died on April 13 at the age of 74, after losing a battle against cancer.

İslimyeli's sister Oya İslimyeli Ulutin announced his death on social media, saying, "We lost my dear brother Balkan Naci İslimyeli. Condolences to his fans and the art community."

It is stated that the cases of the infection came especially from the Balkan countries. Most of them are from Bosnia, with 1.611 in the first week of January and 822 in the second week. Then follows Serbia with 959 in the first week of January, and 540 in the second.
In third place is Hungary with 748 and 121 cases, respectively.

The lower house of the Austrian parliament (National Council) has approved a bill on mandatory vaccination against COVID-19, world agencies reported.

The Austrian government has presented a bill on mandatory vaccination against COVID-19

Based on this draft law, the first details of its implementation are visible.
Namely, mandatory vaccination should, as announced, come into force on February 1, 2022.
According to the plan of the Ministry, all unvaccinated citizens would receive a notification by mail about the scheduled appointment for vaccination against coronavirus from February 15, 2022.