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In a significant development, Romania and Bulgaria are slated to become part of the Schengen Area for air and sea travel, effective March 31, 2024. This agreement, known as "Air Schengen," has implications for third-country citizens lacking a European Union (EU) passport. Moldovans without citizenship, frequent travelers to Romania, will experience changes as the time spent in Romania will be considered within the total Schengen Zone stay, limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The adjustment, set to be implemented from March 31, will particularly affect Moldovans without EU citizenship, modifying the dynamics of short-term stays in the Schengen Zone. Romania's Foreign Minister, Luminița Odobescu, expressed optimism about potential land border accession later this year. However, Austria's Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, maintains a veto on land border expansion, citing concerns related to irregular migration.
The December 2023 agreement outlined conditions for the partial accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area. The decision on the date for land border accession will be determined post-March 31, 2024. Starting April 1, Sofia and Bucharest are expected to issue Schengen C visas, allowing entry and stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for various purposes.
The "Air Schengen" development represents a significant step in ongoing efforts to expand the Schengen Zone. However, Austria's considerations and the decision on land border accession contribute layers of complexity to the evolving Schengen Zone dynamics.
The integration of Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen Area for air and sea travel through the "Air Schengen" agreement marks a substantial development. The impact on Moldovans without EU citizenship, changes in short-term stays, and the complexities introduced by Austria's considerations underscore the ongoing evolution of the Schengen Zone. The forthcoming decision on land border accession adds further nuance to these developments.
By fLEXI tEAM
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