The Schengen Area has always stood for more than just free movement—it symbolizes European unity and cooperation. For years, Bulgaria and Romania have worked hard to meet the criteria for membership, overcoming political, technical, and diplomatic obstacles. Their admission in January 2025 is a historic point, opening new opportunities for their citizens and economies. But this achievement comes at a complicated time, as some long-standing Schengen members have begun re-establishing border controls. This raises questions about whether the dream of a borderless and united Europe is starting to crack.
A Decade-Long Journey
Bulgaria and Romania's road to the Schengen Area was far from simple. Despite becoming members of the European Union in 2007, they waited nearly two decades for full acceptance. Why? Countries that opposed their accession frequently mentioned corruption, judicial reform, and border security as reasons for denying membership. Moreover, positioned on the EU’s eastern border, both Bulgaria and Romania were under close examination, as they are key entry points for migration flows into Europe. Even though they met the technical criteria for Schengen membership back in 2011, political resistance, especially from Austria and the Netherlands, kept them out for years. Yet their perseverance paid off, and 2025 became the year they finally joined the free movement area.
Reintroducing Border Controls
While Bulgaria and Romania enjoy their newfound freedom within Schengen, several long-standing members take the opposite approach. Over the last couple of years, countries such as Austria, France, and Germany have resumed border checks for a variety of reasons. Initially implemented as temporary measures during the 2015 migrant crisis, these controls were later expanded due to ongoing migration demands, security concerns, and even public health emergencies such as COVID-19. Austria’s recent strengthening of its border with Slovenia has raised fears about unauthorized migration. Similarly, countries like Germany, France, and Sweden have reintroduced internal border controls, citing concerns over irregular migration, organized crime, and national security. These actions have not only disrupted travel and trade but have also triggered a political backlash, with some member states accusing others of overstepping the Schengen framework. Critics argue that such measures undermine the basic foundation of Schengen—the notion of unlimited movement—and risk fostering tensions among member nations. These disputes are particularly significant for countries like Bulgaria and Romania, which have spent years striving to gain entry to the Schengen Area, only to face heightened restrictions within the zone itself.
The Contradiction Within Schengen
The conflict of expansion and limitation reveals a paradox in the Schengen Area. On the one hand, Bulgaria and Romania's admission demonstrates the EU's commitment to inclusiveness and integration. On the other, the return of internal border checks by established members calls into question the goal of a borderless Europe. Public opinion in member states is evenly divided. While numerous citizens continue to respect Schengen's convenience and economic benefits, others advocate for stronger controls, especially in light of migratory concerns. This gap reflects greater problems inside the EU, where balancing national sovereignty and collective unity is a constant battle.
What is next?
The current status of Schengen raises serious issues regarding its future. If internal border checks become a permanent feature, the trust and openness that define the EU could be at risk. Such regulations not only frustrate travelers and businesses but also undermine trust among member nations. The entrance of Bulgaria and Romania, on the other hand, has the potential of reviving the Schengen project. Their inclusion demonstrates that, despite its struggles, the EU still believes in its core values of inclusion and cooperation. This sends a powerful message to countries on Europe’s edges, that change and persistence can lead to progress and change.
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