The Schengen Area: Understanding Croatia's Accession and Romania and Bulgaria's Exclusions
Introduction to the Schengen Area
The Schengen Area is a distinguished group of European countries that have abolished passport and other forms of border control at their mutual borders. This arrangement facilitates the free movement of people across member countries, enhancing cooperation in security and immigration policies. The Schengen Agreement, named after the Schengen Hotel in Luxembourg where it was signed in 1985, has since expanded to include 27 European countries as of August 2023.
Key Points about the Schengen Area
Membership: Not all EU countries are part of the Schengen Area, while some non-EU countries like Iceland and Norway are included. As of August 2023, the Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries, demonstrating the flexibility of the agreement.
Border Control: Internal borders within the Schengen Area are open, allowing for free movement of people. However, external borders remain under strict surveillance to maintain security and control.
External Borders: The Schengen states maintain stringent controls at their external borders to ensure that only eligible individuals gain entry.
Croatia's Accession to the Schengen Area
Preparedness: Croatia successfully met the technical criteria for Schengen membership, including stringent border control, visa policy requirements, and police cooperation. The country's readiness for this transition was key to its acceptance.
Prior Political Support: Strong political backing from existing Schengen countries played a significant role. These countries viewed Croatia's membership as a strategic move to strengthen the EU's external borders.
Economic Benefits: Joining the Schengen Area is expected to boost tourism and trade, thereby benefiting Croatia's economy. The combined advantages of increased mobility and enhanced security were instrumental in Croatia's accession.
Challenges Faced by Romania and Bulgaria
Concerns Over Corruption and Rule of Law: Some Schengen member states have expressed concerns regarding issues such as corruption, judicial independence, and adherence to the rule of law in both Romania and Bulgaria. These governance issues have posed significant hurdles to their accession.
Poitical Dynamics: The decision to allow new members into the Schengen Area requires unanimous agreement from all existing members. As a result, political considerations and bilateral relations have significantly influenced the accession process.
Ongoing Reforms: Both Romania and Bulgaria continue to implement reforms aimed at addressing these concerns. However, as of August 2023, they have not yet joined the Schengen Area.
Conclusion
In summary, Croatia's successful accession to the Schengen Area reflects its preparedness and strong political backing. In contrast, Romania and Bulgaria continue to navigate challenges related to governance and political support for their membership. The hurdles faced by Romania and Bulgaria highlight the complexity of the accession process, emphasizing the need for consistent progress and substantial reform.