Law enforcement in Europe

Austria is dropping its veto on Romania and Bulgaria becoming full members of Europe's Schengen free-travel area, its interior ministry said on Monday, paving the way for European Union interior ministers to approve the move at a meeting on Thursday.

Austria has officially announced that it is lifting its veto on Bulgaria and Romania's accession to the Schengen Area by land. The decision was confirmed by the Austrian Interior Ministry, marking a significant step forward for the two countries' integration into the Schengen zone.

The Dutch government has expressed its support for Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen area by land, according to diplomatic sources and local media. The decision has been formally submitted to the Dutch parliament, as required by national legislative procedures.

Turkish media outlets have reacted strongly to the anticipated accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen Area, with headlines emphasizing a perceived negative impact on Turkey.

Bulgaria's admission to the Schengen area could bring substantial financial benefits, amounting to an estimated 1.63 billion leva annually. This projection comes from a study conducted by the Institute for Economic Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, commissioned by the Ministry of Economy and Industry to evaluate the economic implications of joining Schengen.

Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev emphasized the importance of ensuring that border control institutions are fully prepared to reorganize their operations should Bulgaria's Schengen membership be approved in December.

Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area is set to bring a tailored approach to border controls with Romania, focusing on flexibility and targeted inspections. This strategy aims to enhance security without hindering tourism, commerce, or daily travel. Below are key developments, policies, and implications surrounding the upcoming changes. Flexible Border Controls

Ivan Anchev, co-chair of the Atlantic Council in Bulgaria, and Filip Gunev, former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, shared their views on Bulgaria's path to full Schengen membership during an interview on NOVA NEWS.

Bulgaria will independently determine the locations and methods of border control with Romania following its Schengen entry by land, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels shared with BNR.

Following Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen area's land borders, border checkpoints will remain operational, but movement across borders will become more streamlined, according to the Ministry of Interior.