What Are the Advantages of Romania Becoming Part of Schengen?

In the realm of European integration, Romania has been on a remarkable journey, marked by its aspirations to join the Schengen Agreement. As a significant achievement of the European project, Schengen represents a borderless zone enabling free movement between member countries. For Romania, the prospect of Schengen membership holds immense potential, not only for seamless travel within the region but also for streamlining processes such as obtaining work permits, residence permits, and visas. This article looks at what Schengen means and its potential benefits for the country, particularly in facilitating smoother administrative procedures for those seeking opportunities within its borders.

What does Schengen stand for?

The Schengen Agreement, established in 1985, is a significant achievement of the European project. It was initially signed by five EU countries and has since grown to encompass a larger number of member states. The agreement allows for the free movement of people within the Schengen area, which has become the world's largest free travel area.

The Schengen Agreement was signed in the village of Schengen, located at the borders of Luxembourg, Germany, and France. It was later followed by the signing of the Schengen Convention in the same location. Being part of the Schengen area means that member countries do not conduct checks at their internal borders, except in cases of specific threats. However, they do carry out harmonized controls at their external borders, adhering to clearly defined criteria.

The regulations governing the Schengen Agreement area are collectively known as the Schengen Borders Code. This code ensures the proper functioning and security of the Schengen area, facilitating the free movement of people while maintaining effective border controls.

Which countries are part of Schengen?

The Schengen area is composed of 27 countries, making it one of the largest free travel zones in the world. It includes 23 of the 27 member states of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, plus the non-EU members Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Croatia became the 27th member of the Schengen Agreement area on January 1, 2023. Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania have continued working through the requirements to join fully. Ireland, as an EU member, has chosen not to be part of the Schengen area, maintaining its own separate border controls.

What are the criteria for becoming a member?

To become a member of the Schengen area, each country must evaluate its preparedness across four key areas:

• Implementation of the Schengen acquis: adopting and adhering to the common set of Schengen rules in areas such as border control for land, sea, and air, visa issuance, police cooperation, and protection of personal data
• Responsibility for external border control: managing the external borders on behalf of other member countries and issuing uniform Schengen visas
• Efficient law enforcement cooperation: demonstrating strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies from existing Schengen countries
• Utilization of the Schengen Information System: connecting to and proficiently using the system that exchanges information on security and border management

What are the advantages of Romania becoming part of the Schengen Agreement?

Strengthening economic ties

Joining the Schengen area would strengthen Romania's economic ties with European countries. The removal of internal border controls would enable the smoother flow of goods and services, supporting increased trade and economic activity. Being part of the Schengen area would also provide easier access to opportunities within the European single market.

Fostering tourism and cultural exchange

Romania's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical attractions draw many tourists each year. Schengen membership would simplify the travel experience for visitors by removing internal border checks, which is likely to support growth in tourist arrivals and, with it, the country's tourism sector. The increased interaction between tourists and locals also supports cultural exchange.

Strengthening security and cooperation

Schengen membership brings more than economic advantages. It supports improved security measures and cooperation with other member countries. Through a harmonized system of external border controls, Romania could work more closely with partners to address cross-border crime and security challenges by sharing intelligence and resources.

Facilitating people-to-people connections

Romania's inclusion in the Schengen area would support freer movement of people, encouraging exchange of knowledge and culture. This would extend to mobility for students, researchers, and professionals, supporting education and cross-border collaboration.

Boosting confidence and investment

Schengen membership carries weight in signaling that a country is a stable, reliable partner for investment and trade. Increased credibility can support foreign direct investment and contribute to a more favorable environment for economic growth.

History of Romania's path toward Schengen

2007 - Accession to the European Union

On January 1, 2007, Romania and Bulgaria officially became members of the European Union, a significant step in their broader path toward European integration.

2011 - First application

In July 2011, Romania submitted its application for Schengen membership, aiming to eliminate internal border controls and strengthen ties with other member states.

2012 - Positive evaluation

The European Commission assessed Romania's border management, security measures, and administrative capabilities in 2012 and concluded that Romania had met the necessary technical requirements.

2013-2014 - Delays over rule of law concerns

Despite a positive technical evaluation, some member states raised concerns over corruption and the rule of law, which delayed Romania's acceptance.

2018 - European Commission reaffirms support

The European Commission reaffirmed that Romania had met the technical requirements for Schengen membership.

2019 - Continued opposition

Romania continued to face opposition from some member states despite positive technical assessments, and integration remained under further discussion.

2022 - Accession vote fails

During the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on December 8, 2022, Austria voted against Romania's accession, and the Netherlands voted against Bulgaria's, complicating the process for both countries.

2023 and beyond - Continued progress

Romania and Bulgaria continued working toward full Schengen integration, with air and sea border checks lifted for both countries and land border discussions continuing.

Romania's pursuit of Schengen membership represents a significant opportunity, with implications for trade, tourism, security cooperation, and workforce mobility. Nestlers Group continues to track these developments for employers and individuals managing relocation, work permits, and residence permits in Romania.

Sources: European Commission, Council of the European Union