Passport Checks Eliminated at Bulgarian and Romanian Airports
In a significant development for European travel, Bulgaria and Romania have eased mobility for air passengers within the EU by abolishing passport checks at airports in Sofia and Bucharest. This change comes as both nations partially accede to the Schengen open-travel zone, marking a milestone in their integration into the broader European framework.
The decision, which was finalized after negotiations last year, reflects a compromise that allowed the two countries to join the Schengen area for air and sea travel, despite Austria’s reservations regarding land border inclusion. Austrian officials had expressed concerns over the potential for increased illegal immigration through land crossings.
Travelers, such as Mincho Yurukov who flew into Sofia from Berlin, are already experiencing the benefits of this new arrangement. “Also, we feel like Europeans, that is a very important thing,” Yurukov commented, emphasizing the significance of this integration for Bulgarian citizens and the improved travel experience without the need for passport checks.
Bulgaria’s Interior Minister, Kalin Stoyanov, has expressed optimism about the country’s prospects of achieving full Schengen membership by the year’s end. This would entail the removal of border checks for road and rail travel as well. Similarly, Romania is looking forward to concluding negotiations concerning its land borders within the same timeframe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded the move, stating, “Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.” The sentiment reflects the EU’s ongoing efforts to foster unity and ease of movement among member states.
To address security concerns, Bulgaria and Romania have become part of a regional police collaboration with Austria, Greece, and Slovakia aimed at managing migrant flows. Additionally, Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, has committed to significantly increasing its presence in Bulgaria to assist with border management.
The integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone by air and sea represents a step forward in the European project, offering both practical benefits to travelers and symbolic value in terms of European unity.
