Austria Signals Possible End to Veto on Schengen Membership for Romania and Bulgaria as Migration Concerns Ease
Austria’s longstanding opposition to Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen Area may be coming to an end as improvements in border security and migration control take hold. Austria’s Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and EU Commissioner-designate for Migration Magnus Brunner have hinted that progress on migration issues might pave the way for the two nations’ full admission to the Schengen zone, which would open free movement for goods and people across EU borders.
Austria imposed a veto on Romania and Bulgaria’s full Schengen entry two years ago, citing high numbers of refugees entering via the Western Balkans. Though Austria partially relaxed entry for air and sea routes last year, it has maintained restrictions for land borders. Recent data, however, shows a “significant reduction” in migration through Romania and Bulgaria, which Karner credits to Austria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and manage repatriation more effectively.
Karner remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “The drop in illegal migration numbers shows we’re on the right path, but there’s still work to be done.” He noted that Austria’s goal is to bring illegal migration as close to zero as possible.
In Romania, officials are hopeful that full Schengen membership is imminent. Romanian MEP Victor Negrescu recently described the country as being in the “final stretch” of the process and laid out three potential outcomes: a decision before the end of the year, further negotiations with the new European Commission, or possible delays due to political complexities in Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is aiming for Romania to gain full Schengen membership by spring 2025, with hopes of a formal decision before the December 8 presidential election runoff.
If approved, Romania’s Schengen integration could take effect in March 2025, enabling its citizens to cross EU land borders without restrictions by Easter.
Magnus Brunner’s recent comments before the European Parliament’s hearing also point to steady progress, suggesting that the discussions are moving in a positive direction. A potential turning point may come on November 22, when Austria, Romania, and Bulgaria are set to meet in Hungary for further talks on Schengen enlargement.
If Austria’s veto is lifted, Romania and Bulgaria could soon enjoy the full benefits of Schengen, marking a significant step forward for free movement across the EU and reinforcing shared security commitments across Europe.
