- The two countries joined the Schengen area’s air and sea zones on Sunday after a 13-year wait
- Vienna argued would lead to more asylum seekers travelling into Europe
SOFIA, Bulgaria – In a significant milestone for Romania and Bulgaria, both countries have partially joined Europe’s Schengen travel zone. This development represents a crucial step in their integration with the European Union (EU).
The membership is partial, however, as a veto by Austria means the new membership will not apply to land routes, which Vienna argued would lead to more asylum seekers travelling into Europe.