Schengen Area

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 Belgian Presidency of the EU is spearheading efforts to fully integrate Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area. A draft resolution, expected to be voted on today in the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, underscores the urgency of addressing the border issues between the two countries and the rest of the Schengen zone.

Resigned Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, announced that Bulgaria is fully prepared to carry out air Schengen procedures, following a final inspection conducted by the European Commission at Sofia Airport last week.

Anticipation mounts as Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, hints at an imminent decision regarding Bulgaria and Romania's potential accession to the Schengen Area via land routes. Following the European Parliament elections, Schinas foresees a pivotal moment where the two countries may finally secure this vital membership expansion.

In an interview with BTA, Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell, representing the European People's Party/GERB, emphasized Bulgaria's need to prioritize efforts towards achieving full Schengen membership. Maydell's remarks come amid ongoing discussions surrounding Bulgaria's path to integration and the potential implications of semi-European solutions such as the Mini-Schengen Area.

Turkish authorities are poised to embark on a new three-pronged strategy encompassing intensive diplomatic processes with both the European Union and individual member states to address the challenges frequently encountered by Turkish citizens in obtaining Schengen visas, sources have said.

Discussions regarding the full entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area continue without a clear timetable. Following a meeting between Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest on Thursday, the Austrian media reported on the ongoing deliberations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Mariya Gabriel, emphasized the urgency of Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen area, particularly by land, to enhance migration management capabilities. Speaking at the EPP congress in Bucharest, Gabriel underscored Bulgaria's pivotal role in safeguarding the EU's external borders.

At the European People's Party (EPP) congress in Bucharest, GERB leader Boyko Borissov delivered a compelling address, urging Austrian authorities to reconsider their decision to block Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the Schengen area along the land borders.

Manfred Weber, the chairman of the European People's Party (EPP), emphasized the urgency of Bulgaria and Romania joining the Schengen Area, urging Austrian parties to support the move.