Bulgaria and Romania set to join Schengen space in 2023

The ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe has pushed thousands of people to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Moldova and Romania. This mass exodus is particularly affecting the Balkan states, as many asylum seekers from Africa, the Middle East, and other regions transit through the area on their way to Europe. At the same time, the external borders of the Schengen Area are being strengthened, with reinforcements to Frontex expected to reach 10,000 coast guard and border guards by 2027.

Schengen Expansion: Croatia Joins, Bulgaria and Romania Expected by Year-End 2023

While Croatia officially became part of the Schengen Area—the border-free zone encompassing 26 mostly EU countries and 420 million people—on January 1, 2023, Bulgaria and Romania have faced longer waits. The EU Council, representing Union member states, is now discussing an expansion plan that could fully integrate these two countries into the Schengen Area by the end of 2023.

Croatia Joins Schengen in Record Time

Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013, secured rapid inclusion into both the eurozone (as its 20th member) and the Schengen Area. Romania and Bulgaria, EU members since 2007, have yet to attain the same level of integration. The contrast was striking: European Commissioner Ylva Johansson publicly expressed disappointment over the refusal to admit Bulgaria and Romania to the free‑circulation zone at the same time as Croatia.

Austria and the Netherlands Block Schengen Entry for Romania and Bulgaria

According to Euractiv, Romania and Bulgaria plan to abolish airport border checks in October 2023 and fully lift internal land border controls by January 2024. Brussels is reported to be ready to finalize their Schengen accession in October of this year if both countries continue their reform drives.

Austria and the Netherlands have opposed Romania’s and Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen on the grounds that the two countries still fail to meet the required standards. Vienna cited concerns over weak border management and security gaps as key stumbling blocks. These objections underscore the difficulty the European Union faces in reaching consensus on Schengen expansion, particularly regarding border management and security obligations.

Earlier this month, Bulgarian Prime Minister Nickolay Denkov stated that his government would keep working to ensure the long‑awaited accession is completed by year’s end and vowed to implement sweeping changes to border-control management.

He also announced a dedicated "campaign against misinformation concerning Bulgaria" to address lingering skepticism over the country’s preparedness.

In April 2023, more than 100 youth groups across Europe formally called for Romania and Bulgaria to be admitted to Schengen. At the European Youth Forum’s annual meeting in Brussels, multiple organizations—including the Romanian Youth Council—adopted a motion titled "Free Movement for All: Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen Zone."

The Schengen Area’s Future Under Review

Amid these differences and geopolitical realities, some EU leaders are now advocating a reshaping of the Schengen Area. French President Emmanuel Macron has championed this approach, emphasizing stronger external borders and deeper cross‑border police cooperation. By the end of 2023, full interoperability of passenger‑information systems is also slated for completion.

What Joining Schengen Would Mean for Romania and Bulgaria

For both countries, accession would unlock major benefits: easier travel, deeper economic links, and stronger political ties within the EU. However, it also entails heightened responsibilities—for example, tighter external border management to counter terrorism and transnational crime.