Croatia gets a place in Schengen – Bulgaria and Romania have to wait

The ‘Yes’ message came to Croatia this afternoon.

“The Schengen area is growing for the first time in a decade. Ministers have approved the membership of Croatia from January 1, 2023, representatives of the Czech Republic – the autumn presidency of the EU Council of Ministers – wrote on Twitter.

For Bulgaria and Romania, which were also hoping for a yes, it looks even bleaker.

The Austrian Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, was already clear this morning that he would not vote yes for the duo – and so the full agreement required could not be obtained.

– Today I will vote against the extension of Schengen for Romania and Bulgaria. Karner told reporters on the spot, on the way to a meeting of EU justice and interior ministers in Brussels, that it was a mistake to expand a system that does not work in this case.

“does not work”

The main driver behind Austria’s refusal is its immigration status. Karner points to the large number of refugees who continue to come to Austria, despite passing through other EU and Schengen countries on the way.

In Romania, the reaction became immediately sharp, with calls for a boycott of the Austrian companies.

“Send them home to their mothers in the Schengen area and don’t buy any more from them,” Alex Badie, director of the public relations agency, wrote on Twitter, according to the Austrian news agency APA.

At the same time, there is no resistance only in Austria. The Netherlands is also decisive, especially against allowing Bulgaria entry.

Yes from Sweden

If Sweden wins, it will be a yes to all three.

We all have a strong interest in a well-functioning Schengen cooperation. It creates security and predictability for the whole of Europe, as well as for Sweden, says Justice Minister Gunnar Stromer (M) on his way to the meeting.

The European Commission shares the same view and considers that entry by the three countries strengthens rather than weakens control at the EU’s external borders. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson (S) described it as “a very sad day for the European Union”.

– Meets all requirements with flying colors. However, there are a few countries that stop this. But I will take new steps and move forward during the next presidencies, she told SVT.