Read all about Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area. Discover the benefits of visa-free travel in 29 countries.
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.
The Schengen zone: history, present and future
The Schengen zone is an area in Europe in which 27 countries have abolished their internal borders to allow the free movement of people and goods. This concept, which has become the symbol of European unification, has developed considerably since its creation in 1985. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, origins, present and future of the Schengen zone.
What is the difference between Schengen and the EU?
The EU is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that cooperate in areas such as trade, economy and justice. The Schengen zone is a separate part of the EU where internal border controls between participating countries have been lifted, meaning travelers can travel within the zone without passport control.
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.
The Schengen zone: what is it and what can you do with it?
The Netherlands, like 26 other EU countries, is part of the Schengen zone, also known as the Schengen area. What does that mean for Dutch citizens and foreign visitors from outside the EU?