Later, the two countries’ entry into the Schengen system was blocked by Austria and the Netherlands, with both insisting that Bulgaria and Romania meet the strict EU conditions established in 2011. These requirements were not met, leading to vetoes. Of course, behind the scenes, concerns about corruption in Romania and Bulgaria have also played a role, although this was not officially acknowledged. In short, the current expansion comes after a period of prolonged resistance.
Hungary played a pivotal role during its rotating EU presidency by brokering an agreement that included not only Romania and Bulgaria,but also Austria. Under the agreement, border controls will be reinforced along the southern borders of the new member states, with support from the EU through Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
Temporary border checks may still occur, but these are expected to be lifted in the coming months.
By the way, the Schengen zone is one of the EU's cornerstone achievements. It began as an intergovernmental project in 1985 with five EU countries — France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg — and has since grown into the world’s largest area of free movement. With the "admission" of Romania and Bulgaria, roughly 450 million people can travel freely within the Schengen member states without undergoing border checks. Statistics show that approximately 3.5 million people cross internal borders daily for work, study, or to visit friends and family, and nearly 1.7 million people live in one Schengen country while working in another.
The Schengen Area offers significant economic benefits to citizens and businesses in participating states. It was created with the intention to provide a solid foundation for the EU and its single market. Its advantages are tangible in everyday life: consider how West Hungarian border towns have flourished since joining Schengen in 2006, with regions now almost seamlessly integrated. A series of road constructions could follow, similar to what occurred between Slovakia and Hungary along the Ipoly River, or the Austria-Hungary border. This process will likely be accelerated by the expansion of the Arad and, particularly, the Oradea metropolitan areas toward Hungary. The Schengen accession will undoubtedly benefit the affected small Hungarian town and villages.
Not to mention the fact that entire regions, divided up by the Treaty of Trianon, can finally find a sense of unity.
With a bit of exaggeration, we can say that Schengen is now giving back what Trianon took away.
The author is a leading analyst at the daily Vilaggazdasag
Szóljon hozzá!
Jelenleg csak a hozzászólások egy kis részét látja. Hozzászóláshoz és a további kommentek megtekintéséhez lépjen be, vagy regisztráljon!