Schengen Area

A recent nationally representative survey by the "Trend" Research Center reveals that 61% of Bulgarians view the euro as a stable currency. Additionally, 42% of respondents express confidence in the stability of the European economy. The survey, commissioned by 24 Chasa, was conducted from October 16 to 22, 2024, and included 1,002 adult participants from across Bulgaria.

The Netherlands may still pose a challenge to Bulgaria and Romania's full accession to the Schengen zone, according to a report in the Financial Times.

Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev announced that a joint declaration regarding Bulgaria's accession to Schengen will be signed on Friday in Budapest. The declaration will be signed by the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria.

The Greek authorities have initiated efforts to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish citizens visiting 10 islands, just before the program's scheduled conclusion at the end of 2024, Turkish media has reported.

Since April 1, Turkish nationals have been able to visit 10 Greek islands for up to seven days under the visa-on-arrival scheme.

Romania will join the Schengen area by land starting January 1, 2025, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced in an interview with Antena 3 TV, reported BNR. The decision is expected to be finalized at a meeting on Friday in Budapest, he stated.

Acting Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev expressed optimism about progress on Bulgaria's entry into Schengen but advised caution in commenting on specific outcomes. Speaking to journalists in Budapest, he noted that Bulgaria's position is closely aligned with Romania's in the process.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced today that a decision regarding Romania's entry into the Schengen Area for land borders may be made before the second round of the country's presidential elections, scheduled for December 8, and could be finalized by the end of the year.

The Austrian media report that an upcoming meeting between the interior ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria in Budapest could bring new developments for the Schengen membership of Bulgaria and Romania, BNR reports. Set for November 22 and hosted by Hungary's EU presidency, the meeting was confirmed by Austria's Ministry of the Interior.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that "Bulgaria is ready to take its last steps for Schengen," adding that Hungary would continue to support Bulgaria and its citizens in their ongoing efforts.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has expressed strong optimism that Romania will join the Schengen Area, including land borders, by the end of this year. This announcement comes after several previous challenges in the country's quest for full integration into the Schengen framework.