The Netherlands is now open to joining Bulgaria till the Schengen zone. After initial resistance, during which the country had doubts about whether Bulgaria was ready for this, the government revised its position.
The State Secretary for Justice and Security, Eric van der Burg, has informed the House of Representatives about this change. The Netherlands has long resisted accession, which led to tensions within the European Union.
Free travel without border controls is possible within the Schengen zone, consisting of 27 European countries. However, the Netherlands waited a long time before agreeing to Bulgaria's accession, to the frustration of the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Van der Burg had previously emphasized that Bulgaria was not yet ready for accession. Some crucial steps were still needed, Rutte said in September.
Bulgaria has long been closely watched by the European Union due to shortcomings in the rule of law. However, the European Commission concluded that Bulgaria and Romania now meet the requirements for joining Schengen.
The Netherlands demanded additional positive reporting on Bulgaria, which ultimately contributed to the decision to no longer block accession. Rutte indicated that it would be unfair to hold Bulgaria back any longer, given the progress the country has made.
The Netherlands had previously decided that Romania was ready for Schengen, but Romania's accession depended on that of Bulgaria. State Secretary Van der Burg acknowledged that this was a difficult situation.
In addition to the Netherlands, Austria also had objections to Bulgaria's accession. Discussions are underway to overcome this opposition as well. The Netherlands' policy change is seen as a positive step that could accelerate Bulgaria's accession.
Benefits for countries to be part of the Schengen zone
A country's entry into the Schengen zone brings several advantages:
- Free movement of persons: One of the most important benefits is the ability of citizens to travel freely within the Schengen zone without border controls. This facilitates travel for business, tourism and personal visits.
- Economic benefits: The abolition of border controls can promote trade and tourism. This could lead to economic growth by making it easier for companies to operate in other Schengen countries and for tourists to visit the region.
- Strengthened cooperation in criminal matters: Schengen countries work closely together in law enforcement and share information about criminals and possible threats. This improves general safety and helps combat cross-border crime.
- Efficiency at the borders: For non-Schengen countries, border controls are concentrated at the external borders of the Schengen zone. This makes travel within the zone more efficient and reduces delays at internal borders.
- Political and social integration: Membership of the Schengen zone can promote political and social integration within Europe, as citizens can move more freely and countries work more closely together.
- Improved emergency response and disaster management: The removal of border restrictions allows countries to respond more quickly and efficiently in the event of natural disasters or major emergencies, through coordinated deployment of resources.
- More attractive to international students and researchers: The freedom of movement makes the Schengen zone more attractive to students and researchers from outside the EU, which benefits academic and cultural exchange.
- Simplified logistics for transportation and freight transport: For companies active in several European countries, participation in the Schengen zone significantly simplifies logistics and the transport of goods.
- Long-term residence and work: Citizens of Schengen countries can more easily reside and work in other Schengen countries, contributing to labor mobility within the European Union.
These benefits contribute to the attractiveness of the Schengen area for Member States and their citizens, although they also come with challenges, such as the need for effective cooperation on border management and security issues.
Source: RTL news
Related posts:
