Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen Aspirations: Successes and Setbacks
Historical Context of Schengen
The Schengen Agreement, established in 1985, aimed to eliminate passport and other types of border control at the internal borders of its member states. Bulgaria and Romania, both of which joined the European Union in 2007, expressed a strong desire to join the Schengen Area. This aspiration is closely linked to their integration into European structures and the overarching goal of enhancing regional stability and mobility.
Initial Aspirations
Upon joining the EU, Bulgaria and Romania were assessed for their readiness to adopt the Schengen acquis, which includes comprehensive measures related to border control, visa policy, and police cooperation. Initial optimism surrounded their membership in the Schengen Area, bolstered by reports from the European Commission that deemed both countries compliant with the necessary criteria.
Key Successes
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Adoption of Legal Frameworks: Bulgaria and Romania swiftly implemented the legal frameworks required to meet Schengen criteria, including modernizing border management systems and criminal justice reforms aimed at combating organized crime and corruption.
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Technical Evaluations: Both nations successfully passed several evaluations by Schengen member states in 2007 and 2011, demonstrating their enhanced capacity to control borders and manage migratory flows effectively.
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Strengthened Border Security: Bulgaria invested in state-of-the-art border surveillance technologies and increased the number of border patrols, bolstering their capacity to manage the external borders of the Schengen Area, particularly amid rising migratory pressures from the Middle East and Afghanistan during 2015 and 2016.
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Enhanced Cooperation with Frontex: Both countries actively collaborated with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, enhancing their border security systems and aligning them with EU standards, further showcasing their commitment to Schengen norms.
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Support from EU Institutions: The European Parliament has provided vocal support for Bulgaria and Romania’s accession to Schengen, highlighting the strategic importance of their membership for regional stability and security.
Setbacks and Challenges
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Political Resistance from Member States: Despite the positive assessments, several founding Schengen nations, particularly the Netherlands and Austria, have expressed concerns primarily linked to issues surrounding corruption, the rule of law, and inefficient judicial systems. This political resistance has become a significant obstacle in their accession process.
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Concerns Over Migrant Influx: The refugee crisis amplified fears in some Schengen countries about an influx of migrants via Bulgaria and Romania. Even though both countries have successfully managed their borders, the perception of inadequate control continues to fuel doubts among existing Schengen members.
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Judicial Reforms and Corruption: Persistent issues of corruption and inadequate judicial reform in Bulgaria and Romania have raised red flags. Reports from the European Commission, such as the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) evaluations, signal ongoing deficiencies in combatting corruption and judicial independence, creating reluctance among member states to accept their Schengen membership.
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The Expansion Fatigue: As the European Union faced the effects of Brexit and rising populism, many countries became more cautious about EU enlargement. This fatigue has affected the enthusiasm for expanding the Schengen Area and resulted in a reluctance to admit new members.
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Internal Discontent: Within Bulgaria and Romania, public sentiment regarding Schengen has fluctuated. Protests against perceived political stagnation and corruption have showcased a growing desire for reforms, translating into calls for improved governance to facilitate Schengen entry.
Continued Advocacy and Future Prospects
Despite the setbacks, both Bulgaria and Romania continue to advocate for Schengen membership as an essential component of their European identity. In recent developments, discussions have taken place at a high level, including meetings between EU leaders to address the obstacles to Schengen accession. Public campaigns emphasizing the need for political unity within the EU have also gained momentum, reiterating that the stability of the region hinges on shared commitments.
Bulgaria and Romania have revitalized their diplomatic efforts, engaging in dialogue with member states to reassure them about their border management capabilities. The nations have made strides to align more closely with EU’s demands regarding reforms, demonstrating a readiness to address judicial concerns head-on.
The Role of Public Opinion
Public opinion within Bulgaria and Romania is mixed regarding Schengen membership. While many citizens view accession as a means to enhance national security and promote freedom of movement, skepticism arises from fears about the potential increase in immigration and the adequacy of local systems to handle additional strains.
Surveys indicate that a significant portion of the population supports government efforts to join Schengen, highlighting a strong belief that membership would signal full integration into Europe.
The Impact of External Factors
External factors also play a key role in shaping the Schengen aspirations of Bulgaria and Romania. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially in the context of Russia’s influence in Eastern Europe, have prompted both nations to seek greater security alliances within a unified EU framework. This has increased the urgency for Schengen entry as a strategic resource for not just Bulgaria and Romania, but for the EU as a whole.
Additionally, the implications of global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to discussions about border control efficiency and the necessity for regional cooperation, underscoring the need for robust systems that go hand-in-hand with Schengen membership.
Future Directions
To cement their aspirations toward Schengen accession, Bulgaria and Romania’s governments will need to prioritize a series of internal reforms designed to combat corruption, foster judicial independence, and enhance public confidence in their institutions. Strong political leadership will be essential in presenting a unified front to EU partners, emphasizing commitment to the overarching goals of security and solidarity within the bloc.
Furthermore, Bulgaria and Romania may seek to leverage their roles in the EU by promoting a narrative that ties their Schengen goals to collective European ideals, reiterating their contributions to regional stability, economic growth, and shared values.
Conclusion
Bulgaria and Romania’s journey toward Schengen membership is marked by a complex interplay of achievements and hurdles. The successes and setbacks they have encountered encapsulate broader themes of European integration and the challenges faced by new members within existing frameworks. Their aspiration for Schengen is not just a matter of policy; it is an emblem of identity, partnership, and a commitment to the principles upon which the European Union was founded.