Schengen Area

In a recent Facebook update, GERB leader Boyko Borissov announced Hungary's unwavering support for Bulgaria's Schengen aspirations. Borissov confirmed discussions with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, sharing Bulgaria's actions toward abolishing the gas transmission fee, set to be finalized by the week's end.

Bulgaria's pursuit of full Schengen area entry hangs in the balance as negotiations with Austria continue "until the last moment," stated Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov. Addressing press inquiries, Denkov emphasized ongoing negotiations with Austria, highlighting the country's readiness for Schengen air and sea border accession.

Kiril Petkov, former Prime Minister, current co-chairman of "We Continue the Change" and head of the parliamentary EU, Schengen, and Eurozone committee, outlined Bulgaria's stance on Schengen entry, emphasizing conditions rather than a specific timeline.

Romania anticipates a pivotal moment in its Schengen area accession on January 24, coinciding with the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting. As per the analysis by "Adevarul," MEP Eugen Tomac presses President Klaus Iohannis to take a stand in the European Council should firm assurances regarding Schengen not be forthcoming.

In a tumultuous parliamentary session marked by opposition discord, lawmakers aligned with the government advanced two pivotal energy-related changes in their initial reading. Despite disruptions, the vote successfully repealed the supplementary fee for transporting Russian gas through Bulgaria.

Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov emphasized the importance of addressing land borders alongside proposed air and sea border agreements as Bulgaria pursues integration into the Schengen area. Speaking on Nova TV, he underscored the need for advancements concerning land borders, emphasizing the nation should not be excluded from these discussions.

Hungary has formally confirmed its intention to veto Bulgaria's entry into the EU's travel zone if identity document control isn't implemented, announced the Hungarian Foreign Ministry in Budapest. This declaration marks the first official acknowledgment from Viktor Orban's government regarding this stance, following recent reports in the Financial Times.

Bulgaria has met the conditions to join Europe's passport-free Schengen area by strengthening its borders and efforts to combat illegal migration, the Netherlands said Friday, as Sofia took one step closer to joining.

The Netherlands has granted approval for Bulgaria's inclusion in the Schengen area, as per a report by "Reuters." Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, speaking after the European Council meeting in Brussels, anticipated positive news, highlighting the crucial decision made by the Dutch government.

UPDATE: The Dutch justice ministry just announced that they have given their approval for Bulgaria to join the Schengen area, marking the end of the Netherlands' prolonged resistance to this decision.