Why Croatia is Still Not a Part of the Schengen Area

As of late 2023, Croatia has been scheduled to join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. However, the timeline has been delayed for several reasons related to various political, technical, and border management criteria. The following provides a detailed overview of why Croatia has not yet been fully integrated into the Schengen Area.

Accession Criteria

Countries wishing to join the Schengen Area must meet stringent criteria related to border control, visa policies, police cooperation, and data protection. For Croatia, the primary challenge lay in effectively managing its borders and ensuring that Schengen rules were fully implemented. These criteria are not merely bureaucratic; they are designed to ensure the integrity and functionality of the Schengen Agreement.

Border Management

Croatia shares a substantial border with several non-EU states, including Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, each with considerable challenges for border management. With a border length of 1,352 km, Croatia’s external borders represent the longest Schengen land border, surpassing even Finland’s 1,344 km. This length underscores the considerable logistical and security challenges that Croatia must overcome to ensure the seamless travel and migration of people.

Political Considerations

The decision to admit new members to the Schengen Area is not merely an administrative matter. It involves complex political considerations among existing member states. Some countries may have reservations based on domestic policies or regional security concerns. The implementation of the Schengen Area requires a high degree of trust among all member states, as countries on the EU’s edge, like Croatia, provide a critical buffer against potential threats.

Technical Preparations

Croatia needed to undertake significant technical preparations, including upgrading its border facilities and systems to meet Schengen standards. These preparations involved modernizing infrastructure, implementing advanced monitoring systems, and enhancing border control procedures. The financial and technical resources required for these upgrades were substantial, and the entire process was largely financed by the EU to ensure compliance with Schengen guidelines.

Case Studies: Romania and Bulgaria

The inclusion or exclusion of Romania and Bulgaria serves as a cautionary tale regarding the Schengen Area’s expansion. Both countries fulfilled the technical criteria for joining the Schengen Area in 2011 but were not granted immediate access due to concerns from other member states. These countries were viewed as vulnerable or unreliable, with issues related to corruption, a weak judiciary, and organized crime. The fear was that their inclusion could potentially accelerate illegal migration through the Balkans.

Croatia shares some of these concerns, but the challenges are more significant due to its longer border and the protection it offers to other member states. The more stringent scrutiny of Romania and Bulgaria demonstrates the complex political dynamics at play during the Schengen expansion process.

Future Prospects for Croatia

With the successful implementation of all technical requirements, Croatia is currently in a position to seek political approval for joining the Schengen Area. While the Croatian government hopes for a swift decision, the political landscape within the EU suggests a more drawn-out process. This is particularly true given the ongoing concerns related to Romania and Bulgaria. The EU decision is likely to be made within the next year, but it might also face delays, as demonstrated by the Romania-Bulgaria case. Croatia’s next steps will depend on both its own progress and the evolving dynamics within the EU.

In conclusion, while Croatia has made significant strides towards joining the Schengen Area, the process is not without its complexities. The combination of stringent criteria, extensive technical preparations, and political considerations highlights the importance of thorough preparation and the critical role of trust and cooperation among all Schengen member states.