Schengen acquis

Faced with the specter of reliving a situation reminiscent of 2015 - obviously not the same, but with some similar characteristics - when tens of thousands of immigrants and refugees were "stuck" on Greece's border with North Macedonia, Athens is in search of a strategy - and allies to strengthen its position and push it through - to respond to Berlin's recent decision to tighten controls on it

Athens is determined to take a very tough stance toward Germany, especially after Berlin's recent decision to tighten controls on its western land borders, according to well-informed sources speaking to Kathimerini.

Bulgaria and Romania are poised to become partial members of the Schengen area starting March 31. The European Commission announced that the Schengen rules will apply in both countries, signaling the elimination of border controls at internal air and sea borders.

The European Parliament's Petitions Committee is set to vote on a resolution advocating for the full acceptance of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen Area.

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.

Negotiations for Bulgaria and Romania's entry into the Schengen area won't face a formal vote during the Council of the European Union's meeting on December 5, Euractiv reports.

Members of the European Parliament called on the Council (the member states) to approve the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area by the end of 2023, reported the institution's press service.

A human stands little chance of passing undetected.

Pero Ruzolcic, head of the border police in Tovarnik, said the upgrade began well before Croatia joined the EU in mid-2013.

And far from a sign of teething troubles, long queues at the border in the days after Croatia joined the Schengen zone were much as expected during the festive season.

Croatia meets the necessary conditions to implement all parts of the Schengen acquis.

This is the conclusion reached by the Council of the EU.

The report on the issue was adopted at today's Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels. This was announced by Slovenian Interior Minister Ales Hojs, whose country holds the EU presidency.