Bulgaria and Romania to join Schengen by the end of 2023
Bulgaria and Romania are due to join the Schengen area by the end of 2023.
The resolution adopted by the European Commission the day before emphasises that both countries have already fulfilled the necessary requirements for accession. The document was voted in favour by 526 MEPs, 57 against and 42 abstentions, Radio Bulgaria reports.
MEPs said they regret the Council's decision of 8 December 2022 to deny them membership "without providing any legal justification for the accession criteria". A larger Schengen area without border controls would make the EU stronger, MEPs said, noting that all member states have the right to join Schengen when they are ready.
According to the MEPs, the fact that Romania and Bulgaria are still outside the visa-free zone burdens businesses and people in the two countries socially and economically.
