Schengen Area

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov's strategic diplomacy at the European Council has yielded promising results as Bulgaria gears up for full acceptance into the Eurozone and Schengen by January 1, 2025.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov, stated in Brussels that the removal of land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece is not currently under political discussion. Denkov, who anticipates discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Bulgaria's priorities during the European Council meeting, highlighted key topics such as Schengen land borders and the Eurozone.

Romanian MEP Eugen Tomac asserts that Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece can form a regional Schengen agreement without requiring the consent of the European Commission. In an interview with BTA, Tomac dismissed concerns of Austria opposing such an arrangement, emphasizing that the Commission only needs to be informed.

Bulgaria saw a 22 percent increase in Turkish visitors during December 2023, as the Ministry of Tourism revealed. Considering this trend, Bulgarian authorities will focus on promoting the destination in the Turkish market, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bulgaria recorded a 22 percent increase in Turkish tourists last December.

In a collaborative effort, a group of MEPs and MPs from Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, including Daniel Laurer from "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB), is urging the removal of border controls along the land borders between the three countries.

A recent Gallup International Balkan study revealed that Bulgarians generally welcome their country's partial entry into the Schengen zone, indicating that full entry would be seen as a significant success if the government effectively addresses concerns about migration.

In a recent interview with GERB MEP Andrey Novakov, Bulgaria's trajectory toward Schengen and Eurozone accession came under the spotlight. Novakov, expressing confidence, hinted at the possibility of securing a 2025 entry date into the land-based Schengen zone once Austria forms a new government.

Switzerland has decided to eliminate passport checks at its airports for travelers flying to and from Bulgaria and Romania, following the European Union's recent move to admit the two countries into "air and sea Schengen".

Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel has announced significant progress in Bulgaria's bid to join the Schengen Area during her discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Gabriel emphasized the backing received from the Belgian Presidency of the EU, ensuring that the Schengen issue remains a top priority.

Bulgarian employers, represented by major organizations including the Confederation of Employers (KRIB), the Chamber of Commerce (BCC), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), and the Association of Industrial Capital (AIC), have outlined their business priorities for the year, emphasizing the need for significant reforms in the country.