Croatia Joins Schengen as Romania and Bulgaria Are Left Behind
The Adriatic coast of Croatia has long been a symbol of Europe’s shifting borders. For years, its rugged coastline was a checkpoint for those navigating the complex web of visa policies and border controls across the continent. But on a crisp autumn morning in 2023, something changed. The queues at Zagreb’s airport thinned, and the sense of anticipation gave way to a new reality: Croatia had officially joined the Schengen Zone.
The Schengen Area, named after the Luxembourg village where the agreement was signed in 1995, is more than just a travel便利 zone—it’s a symbol of European integration. For decades, joining Schengen has been seen as a gateway to greater mobility and economic opportunity. Yet, for Romania and Bulgaria—two neighboring countries that had also sought entry into the zone—their paths remain blocked.
Croatia’s accession was no mere formality. It required years of preparation, including overhauling border control systems and aligning its legal framework with Schengen standards. The country invested heavily in digital infrastructure to ensure seamless integration with EU-wide systems like the Automated Border Control (ABC) gates that now dot its airports and train stations. These advancements are part of a broader shift across Europe: as borders become more porous, technology plays an increasingly central role in managing migration and movement.
But while Croatia celebrates this milestone, Romania and Bulgaria find themselves on the outside looking in. Both countries have made significant strides toward EU integration since joining in 1995 and 2007 respectively. Yet, political and economic challenges have left them lagging behind. Critics argue that their exclusion is not just about readiness but reflects deeper structural issues within the EU itself.
“Romania and Bulgaria are caught in a Catch-22,” said Ana-Maria Ionescu, a migration policy expert based in Bucharest. “They need to implement reforms to join Schengen, but without access to the zone, their economies remain isolated, making those reforms politically untenable.”
The implications of this divide are profound. For travelers, it means navigating a patchwork of rules across Europe—a throwback to the days before full integration. For businesses, it creates logistical hurdles and questions about how the Schengen Area will adapt to future crises like pandemics or migration surges.
Yet, there’s hope for Romania and Bulgaria. Their exclusion serves as a wake-up call for the EU to address systemic inequalities that leave some member states behind. It also highlights the importance of digital tools in bridging these gaps—whether through better access to information or more inclusive policies.
As Croatia’s new Schengen status takes effect, it’s worth reflecting on what this moment means for Europe as a whole. The continent is at a crossroads: technological advancements and progressive policies can either deepen integration or exacerbate divisions. The story of Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria reminds us that the EU’s future lies not just in its borders but in how it chooses to connect—and leave behind—its people.
About the Author:
Tobias Müller is Multimedia Producer at our publication. Journalist and multimedia producer with a focus on European youth movements and digital culture. Tobias uses innovative storytelling techniques to engage younger audiences.
Journalist and photographer with a focus on Middle Eastern youth and their cultural contributions. Aisha’s work bridges traditional and modern storytelling in the region.
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