In a major development within Europe's Schengen area, Romania and Bulgaria have strengthened their positions by partially joining the area, lifting border controls at their airports and seaports.
Policy change: The Netherlands supports Bulgarian accession to Schengen
The Netherlands has decided to support Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen zone. This policy change, announced by State Secretary Eric van der Burg, comes after years of resistance to Bulgaria's accession, and marks a significant change in the attitude of the Dutch government.
Croatia admitted to Schengen zone but Bulgaria and Romania not
Croatia is the 27th country to join the Schengen area. Bulgaria and Romania, on the other hand, are not admitted to the Schengen zone. EU interior and justice ministers met yesterday to vote on the first extension of Schengen in more than a decade.